Reducer speed for base

[RayH]

Guys, I am about to start tpainting my car with a nightmist blue base. Temps will be in the upper 70’s to mid 80’s. What speed reducer and flash times would you recommend.
Also what speed activator and flash times for universal clear. Thanks, Ray

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

Slow reducer, slow activator, 30 minutes flash between coats of both base and clear. After base, minimum of 2 hours before clear. Ideally 12 hours (overnight) before clear.

 

[RayH]

Thanks Chris, I had intended to do this a couple of months ago when temps were in the upper 90’s and purchased very slow reducer and activator. Guess I will be placing an order tomorrow.

 

[crashtech]

Very slow activator will be okay if it's near 80° and you are painting large areas. I would recommend it if you are painting the whole rig at once because of its superior overspray absorption properties. If you are only doing 2-3 panels at a time, then Slow activator is more appropriate.

 

[RayH]

Thank you for the explanation on the clear activator. As for the very slow reducer before I posted I spoke to a SPI rep and said it would be ok as long as I let it flash 30 min? I placed my order for both slow reducer and activator today, would rather error on the safe side.

 

[elwood]

It's better to let it flash longer than to shorten it and have problems.

 

[RayH]

I understand that and even told the rep I was going to give it 45 min but was advised that was too long?

 

[elwood]

I usually do 30 minutes with slow reducer. Never had a problem before.

 

[RayH]

YesI totally agree but I had purchased extra slow reducer ( due to temps in the high 90’s but health issue came up and stalled my progress 2 months and temps are 10 to 15 deg cooler now) and that was why I was going to give the extra slow reducer 45 min flash time.

 

[AAE]

You can mix the reducers to get the benefit of both.

 

[crashtech]

I understand that and even told the rep I was going to give it 45 min but was advised that was too long?

I don't think you would have been told that 45 minutes is too long of a flash time for basecoat. It's too long for clear, though. They each have very different requirements.