Flash Time

6

65_Coupe

This may be a stupid question, but I need to ask anyway. When a flash time is given on a tech sheets, what exactly does it mean? For example, if it takes me 10 minutes to get around the car for one coat and there is a 10 minute flash time between coats, do I go right into the next coat? Or do I wait 10 minutes after I finish the first coat? If that is the case, then there would actually be 20 minutes between coats.

Sorry for the stupid question, but I want to make sure I get it right.

Thanks,
Brian
 
10 minutes flash time means you should wait at least 10 minutes before spraying another coat. Theoretically, if it took you 10 minutes to spray the entire car, and you spray from start to finish in the same order each time, you wouldn't have to wait at all between coats.

HOWEVER, with a little reading on this site, you will find over and over again that it is best not to rush flash times to avoid trapping solvents and a number of problems that can result. Of course, atmospheric conditions make a big difference when it comes to this topic.


Maybe you could share with us what products you have questions about, and we could give you some input beyond what you will find on the tech sheets.
 
Base coat extended flash times are great, with the clear, I always recommend that when you are done start the 30 minutes and start at the panel you started on before.
Either way will work but I repeat this way over and over on the phone so there is no misunderstanding.
Now someone like Jeremy who is doing a complete inside and underneath at the same time, he will burn up 30 minutes pretty fast and not have to stop.
 
strum456;30196 said:
10 minutes flash time means you should wait at least 10 minutes before spraying another coat. Theoretically, if it took you 10 minutes to spray the entire car, and you spray from start to finish in the same order each time, you wouldn't have to wait at all between coats.

HOWEVER, with a little reading on this site, you will find over and over again that it is best not to rush flash times to avoid trapping solvents and a number of problems that can result. Of course, atmospheric conditions make a big difference when it comes to this topic.


Maybe you could share with us what products you have questions about, and we could give you some input beyond what you will find on the tech sheets.
Click to expand...

This was more of a general question, not for a specific product. However, I will be spraying my 2K later this week, then my base and clear.
 
65_Coupe;30207 said:
This was more of a general question, not for a specific product. However, I will be spraying my 2K later this week, then my base and clear.
Click to expand...

With the 2k, you will notice the shine going flat as it begins to "flash". I am hardly an expert like Barry, but I like to wait another 20 minutes or so after I can see that all the shine is off. Like clear coat, 2k is cured with iso as its activator. I am sure that waiting too long could cause adhesion loss. That would be a question for Barry though. I never wait longer than one hour between coats of 2k or clear.

As Barry once explained to me, most companies write their base coat tech sheets for "maximum productivity". This is why most tech sheets recommend very short flash times for base. From this site, I have learned not to rush base, no matter what the tech sheet says (especially with dark colors). This is extreme, but I sprayed epoxy sealer on some parts this morning and followed with one coat of black Prospray base. Just a bit ago, I sprayed my second coat of base (about 6 hours later). In about another hour I'll spray my third coat, just to make sure I have 100% coverage everywhere. I will clear these parts sometime tomorrow. By taking my time, I am ensuring maximum clarity and gloss (according to the experts on here).
 
I am certainly not in a hurry, so I don't want to rush the coats. I can only work on the car after work and on the weekends so my problem is more likely exceeding recoat windows. How long can I go between coats of 2k? If I spray some tonight and sand it tomorrow night how long could I go before spraying the next coats?
 
Barry;30201 said:
Base coat extended flash times are great, with the clear, I always recommend that when you are done start the 30 minutes and start at the panel you started on before.
Either way will work but I repeat this way over and over on the phone so there is no misunderstanding.
Now someone like Jeremy who is doing a complete inside and underneath at the same time, he will burn up 30 minutes pretty fast and not have to stop.
Click to expand...

I usually try to take atleast a 10 minute break! LOL!

Just finished up this superbee in 2k. all taped up to where I just do the outside panels. Takes about 10-12 minutes to get around it. So by the time I clean up the gun some and mix a new batch I'm ready for the next go around. Sure wish the booth had a/c. :05.18-flustered:
 
65_Coupe;30232 said:
I am certainly not in a hurry, so I don't want to rush the coats. I can only work on the car after work and on the weekends so my problem is more likely exceeding recoat windows. How long can I go between coats of 2k? If I spray some tonight and sand it tomorrow night how long could I go before spraying the next coats?
Click to expand...


You will be fine as long as you sand the 2k before re-coating. It would actually be best to let the 2k cure completely for a couple days and then sand it. Setting the parts out to bake in the sun would be even better yet.
 
If I let it cure a couple days then sand, how long after that is it ok to wait before putting more 2k on? What is the best way to clean after sanding? Blow off and tack? Wax and grease remover?

I appreciate all the help.
 
If you primer is fully cured and then sanded after curing, you could probably wait as long as you want before your next coat. I would imagine that sanding the primer before full cure and allowing it to sit and cure after sanding would be slightly less ideal.

If you have a need to touch your parts, wear jersey gloves to avoid contamination. If there is no contamination, w&g remover should not be necessary. Use an air gun in one hand and a rag in another. Wipe and blow off the dust at once and occasionally stop to blow out the rag.

I am glad to help, although I'm not a pro like many on here. The people on this site have taught me a useful skill, and I do my best to pay it forward.
 
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