Is there a chart to list the temperature range for activators?

MikeS

MikeS

Camaro Nut
I can't seem to find any info on the actual temperature range for the UC activators. The ones I'm looking for are the 4001-4004 products.
I don't see it listed in the product info nor the MSDS. Is this posted somewhere by chance?

Thanks,
Mike
 
I thought you were asking to see two things, I found you one. You are looking for a TDS if you want working parameters, MSDS just tell you what damage the material will do to you and the environment.

Just mentioned that we sprayed universal clear in my anodizing and powdercoating shop over the winter when it was 40 degrees outside, but high humidity since the windows are closed for the winter and we still needed the very slow activator. Those are the variables in different shops that make it impossible to tell you exactly what you are supposed to use, they can just guide you. All I know is you want the final coat of clear drying as slow as possible. IF you have a dusty shop and are worried about contaminants, then going to more of a production clear is better than trying to make it work.
 
I was looking for the range of temps for each activator speed just to use as a guide. My insulated garage has a ceiling mounted electric heater but my concern at the moment is the temps outside are in the mid-50's and I need to finish flow coating the rest of the car. So, I'm worried that with the exhaust fans on that the inside temps will drop as the air is exhausted outside and the electric ceiling heater may not be able to keep up so the car surface temps (now at 55 degrees) may fall further during the 2-3 hours of fan operation (figuring at least 30 minute flash time between coats). I have a temporary and tight spray booth with 1 micron intake filters so that actually does a great job at limiting dust. Right now I have the 4001 mult-panel activator which, according to the price list, is good for up to 85 degrees so I may be in good shape there. I use the Iwata LPH400 w/1.4 so that lays the clear down really well. The garage humidity right now averages between 25-40% so that looks good too for this time of the season here on Long Island. I came over from using PPG to now SPI so I am trying to get up to speed with their products.
I do appreciate your replies though!
Thank You,
Mike
 
For panel repair.
65 and colder use fast (if you want.)
60-80 can use medium.
Large areas .
60- 75 can use medium.
75 up, slow or very slow.

Just an idea as lot different conditions.
 
This is good info......how would the 4001 multi-panel fit in to the above as far as low temp range?
This would be for large areas.

Crashtech, what percentages of blend do you typically use?

Thanks guys,
Mike
 
I was figuring on very slow anyways for most of the time here in north fla , but if I understand it right, high humidity needs slower blend than low humidity regardless of temp?
 
MikeS;n82707 said:
This is good info......how would the 4001 multi-panel fit in to the above as far as low temp range?
This would be for large areas.
Click to expand...

4001 you can use down to 60, for overalls or big jobs, I would not use straight 4001 above 68 or so.

Crashtech, what percentages of blend do you typically use?
Click to expand...

A lot of it has to do with how fast you observe the clear flashing to "hand slick," which is when you can lightly brush your finger across the clear without any sticking to your finger (test an area that is masked, near the cleared area that got wet and shiny, or use a test piece if there is no masking). If the clear is flashing while overspray is still really heavy, it might be too quick. Sometimes I will slow down the second coat by adding anywhere from 25-50% of the next slower activator on the clear batch for the second coat. Remember that you can only go slower, not faster! Making really close to what you need on the first coat also helps you be able to adjust the mix as you go.
 
What is different about the multi panel activator that makes it better for all overs?

Thanks,
Don
 
It's not better, it's just medium speed activator. I don't know why in some places it is called multi-panel, I am pretty sure it says medium on the can. it actually flashes a lot faster than most major's "medium" activators, most of which are designed for a heated booth. I like to call it the "Swiss army knife" of activators, it can work in a pretty wide range of temps and applications. For instance, 5% slow reducer in medium activated UC will work in a pinch if temps or job size is a little over what's right for the product. Likewise 5% 860 will speed it up.
 
Interesting what you had said about the label, Crashtech. That got me curious so I took at look at the cans of 4001-4 I have and it states High Solids 'Normal'. Not sure why the tech manual lists it as 'multi-panel' and the can shows it as 'normal'. Great info!

Thank you,
Mike
 
Oh, yeah, Normal. I guess I have it as Medium in my head, I guess it's pretty much the same. I'm not sure but maybe that is an older name for the product, but it's always been the same stuff in the can.
 
Crashtech,

Your reply to Dhutton mentions reducers. I assume that would be for situations where you need a different speed activator to mix and you don't have it but have a similar speed in reducer form. I do see reducer mentioned in the Tech Manual for UC but it is a general statement and nothing specific. Any benefits in flow to adding a reducer along with an activator?

Thanks,
Mike
 
Universal is already pre-reduced, so reducer additions should be kept to a minimum. Keep in mind that at 70°, addition of 870 reducer will speed up Universal due to the lowering of the solids content, which might seem counter-intuitive. Sometimes the addition of a small amount of slow or extra slow reducer on the last coat can help, depending on spraying style. It's something to experiment with, it definitely changes the way the clear handles.
 
crashtech;n82706 said:
Large areas at 70-75, I have found a blend of medium and slow to work pretty well, Just my 2c.
Click to expand...

Some of the best feedback I get with this clear is from painters who mix the activators, with trial and error they have come up with their own concoction that works best for their conditions.
 
MikeS;n82721 said:
Interesting what you had said about the label, Crashtech. That got me curious so I took at look at the cans of 4001-4 I have and it states High Solids 'Normal'. Not sure why the tech manual lists it as 'multi-panel' and the can shows it as 'normal'. Great info!

Thank you,
Mike
Click to expand...

For about 12 years the 4001-4 was called multi panel.
 
I remember Ditzler (may have been Dupont) back in the early 60's, had a nice big tempreture guage for different paint products. It was about two feet in diameter. It was in "pie sectiions" and all the product temperature recomendations were in the pie. You looked at the temp indicator and picked the product in the pie under the needle. I have never seen such a thing since.
 
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