Definition- The process by which a coating is transformed from a liquid to a solid. Happens through solvent loss, chemical reaction, or a combination of both.
Causes of Improper Cure/Dry- Improper catalyst addition, both too much or too little.
- Cold and/or humid environmental conditions.
- Cold and/or humid coating and/or substrate.
- Excessive application of coating (very thick applications).
- Old or expired coating.
- Addition of slower or poor thinner.
- Excessive addition of pigment.
- Incompatible stain for the coating.
- Poor ventilation or air movement.
Prevention of Improper Cure/Dry- Catalyze at the correct ratio.
- Have environmental conditions at 65°F or higher with humidity below 50%
- Have coating and substrates acclimated to the correct environmental conditions.
- Apply proper amounts for coating.
- Use fresh/new coating.
- Use appropriate thinner.
- Do not add excess pigment.
- Use compatible stains.
- Have appropriate air movement.
Possible Fixes for Cure/Dry- Strip and refinish
- Wait a longer time, particularly if stacking or wrapping for shipment.
- Heat the drying room or area.
- Improve ventilation.
Questions to Ask- Has the product been altered in any way?
Thinners, retarders, colorants, additives, any other additional adds to the product? - Were there any products (water based, oil based, glazes, stains)used that may have left residual material behind?
- What are the environmental conditions, both during application and cure?
- Have things changed, including equipment and personnel?
- Are the products being used compatible?
- Are the products being used from the same manufacturer?
- Was there any preliminary testing of this system before it was used on a larger scale?
- When in the finish process did you notice the problem?
- What is the humidity, dew point, air movement, and temperature of environment and materials?
- Has this problem happened before?
If so, what were the conditions at that time, especially compared to the current conditions? - Has the product been catalyzed properly?
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