Candy cracking.

'68 Coronet R/T

'68 Coronet R/T

Oldtimer
I am experimenting with some paint for pearl and Kustom Kandy Concentrate suspended in SPI intercoat clear.
I mixed the intercoat clear and added some UV clear activator (like I normally do with base coats) and then added the pearl. Sprayed 3 coats over SPI silver on 1/2 of the panel with 10 minutes between coats at 95 degrees. The second half was mixed the same way and then the KKC was added. I sprayed 3 coats and wasn't getting much coverage so I added some more KKC to the mix and shot 3 more coats. I didn't clear anything because it was just a practice panel and then I went on vacation for two weeks. When I got back I found the side with the candy had cracked.
Did I rush the flash time? Spray too wet? Maybe applied too many coats too fast?
I plan to sand this and try the pearl over a black base to see how that looks. So far I like the candy color better but I sure don't want it cracking on me.

Pearl-CandyTailgate.jpg
 
I think I remember reading somewhere that with the candy left open without the clear it can crack, I haven't had that problem but I usually clear right after, I have had some issues where i've left the intercoat open over night then cleared the next day but I am pretty sure the intercoat should be top coated with clear. I should know this so a re-fresher would be good for me as well. It's just something that doesn't come up often.
 
Well the cracks went all the way through the silver base coat so I am wondering if I didn't give it enough flash time. I was using the 885 reducer which normally flashes pretty quickly in 95 degree temps but I was in a hurry due to leaving on vacation.
The thing is the rest of the silver all looks great with no cracks so it has to be related to the candy application.
 
I am stumped. I've shot up to 7 coats of intercoat with KK in it and never had that happen, one bike sat for two weeks waiting for me to finish applying more artwork before clear could be applied and never any cracking. I do reduce it 125-150% though just to keep film build down and have it go on better than when it's sprayed 1:1. The only reason I asked what it was sprayed over is to rule out solvent absorbtion then surface flashing and later cracking when the solvent comes out-but you shouldn't have had any problems there. I do remember a thread a years back where the same thing happened, it was sorted out what went wrong but I can't remember what the issue was.
 
Could you repeat the test but this time spray the candy on both sides but clear one side only and wait for a period of time, like the length of your vacation and see if it happens again under the clear?
 
Did I rush the flash time? Spray too wet? Maybe applied too many coats too fast?
Click to expand...

thats the only thing i can think of in that kind of heat...
 
Thanks for the input. I'm sanding it down and I'll try reducing the intercoat clear for less build and be sure not to get too heavy with the coats.
I liked the way the pearl went down but it needs a darker base color under it. I think I need to find a better mix on the KK because the first 3 coats hardly added any color at all which led to the next 3 coats maybe being applied to quick and thick.
 
Ist I think there is a problem in the silver but with that said like Chad pointed out, if not cleared the IC can crack, if thick and not proper flash times, left for some time ( couple months).

This is not perhaps as normal and may have had more to do with the silver then the amount.
What I would do is about 2oz per mixed quart in that silver and give good flash time.

Activate the silver and give more flash time.
 
Barry;22795 said:
Ist I think there is a problem in the silver but with that said like Chad pointed out, if not cleared the IC can crack, if thick and not proper flash times, left for some time ( couple months).

This is not perhaps as normal and may have had more to do with the silver then the amount.
What I would do is about 2oz per mixed quart in that silver and give good flash time.

Activate the silver and give more flash time.
Click to expand...

Will do. Thanks Barry.
 
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