Used a new clear coat activator on a 2018 Ford F-150 job and it hazed over

I was doing a full respray on a bed side and grabbed a can of 'Rapid Cure' activator from the shelf, thinking it would cut my dry time. Mixed it per the sheet, sprayed it, and the whole panel went milky white as it flashed off. Had to sand it all back and start over, which cost me a full day. The tech sheet fine print said not to use it if the shop temp was under 70 degrees, and my bay was at 65. Anyone have a go-to fast clear that isn't so picky about the weather?

3 comments

3 Comments

aaronsullivan4d ago

Honestly that rapid cure stuff is a lifesaver when you're in a bind, not some enemy. Tbh reading the tech sheet is just part of the job, like checking the weather before you paint. Ngl if the shop is 65 degrees you should probably be warming the panel anyway for any clear to stick right. Blaming the product for a simple temp issue is like blaming the wrench for a stripped bolt.

the_max4d ago

Wait, you didn't warm the panel at 65 degrees?

ivan_murphy804d ago

Yeah, that haze is the worst. I keep a little space heater on wheels just for that, warms the metal up before the clear even comes out of the gun. For a fast clear, I've had good luck with the regular medium stuff and just adding a touch more hardener when it's cool.