Universal Clear

danp76

danp76

Oldtimer
I sprayed four coats of universal, 30 mins between each coat, metal temp approximately 70 degrees. After the final coat, I lowered the heat in the shop to 65 degrees, and the metal temperature remained in the mid 60's for at least 6-7 hrs. I then shut the heat off, and came back the next day to a 50 degree shop. My question is, what's the ideal time to buff Universal? How many hrs (approximately) should it cure prior to buffing and sanding? I'm sure it's not curing very fast at night, as the shop is only in the 40-50 degree range.
 
I just did almost the exact same thing, and will be giving it 1.5 - 2 weeks before I start sanding / buffing on it. More time doesn't hurt though
 
I have some runs to remove, and they seem to come out better with a little more time. My shop is only 65~70 when I'm in it though
 
Kerristallax, are you taking a sharp piece of paper and knocking the heads off the runs? Opening them up will really help them dry and shrink.
 
I just slice the head off with a fresh razor blade before anything else. Gotta be careful, though.
 
danp76;15885 said:
I sprayed four coats of universal, 30 mins between each coat, metal temp approximately 70 degrees. After the final coat, I lowered the heat in the shop to 65 degrees, and the metal temperature remained in the mid 60's for at least 6-7 hrs. I then shut the heat off, and came back the next day to a 50 degree shop. My question is, what's the ideal time to buff Universal? How many hrs (approximately) should it cure prior to buffing and sanding? I'm sure it's not curing very fast at night, as the shop is only in the 40-50 degree range.
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If the clear is curing slow and is rubbery you'll struggle with the sanding and buffing. Given the temps you're in and 4 coats applied I would sand it with your first grit and let it set for at least a few more days-the buffing will go so much better.
 
That's not a bad idea. I'll give it a try sanding the tops of the runs first. When I get to it Saturday, it will have been 10 days since sprayed, so it should be pretty close to ready to go
 
in the winter months i usually try to let universal cure for about 3 days before i buff it. if i need to i can do it in 12 hours. i would prefer to wait a week or two but i also have to keep projects moving out of the shop so 2-3 days does me fine.
 
Hi Jim, are you talking 2-3 days at 70 degrees? I shut heat off in my shop when I'm not in there, thermostat is left at 40 degrees, and I usually work with temps in the mid 60's. I crank heat when it's time to spray this time of year, typically booth is in the 70's. But when not spraying I tend to keep shop in mid 60's. I sprayed 4 coats of universal on Monday, and finished around 5pm and left heat on till about 10ish. My shop is well insulated so it remained warm in shop for several hours later. When I arrived later the next day, it was 50 degrees in shop and I put heat on for a few hours to about 68 degrees. Not sure how fast the clear is drying over night in my shop as it's only in the 40's typically overnight.
 
my shop during the day is 66 and i drop it to 60 at night. it all just takes longer this time of year. really the longer you wait the better. of course thats pretty much the deal with anything paint.
 
If you can, put it out in the sun. Even if its cold the UV will help it cure faster than if left inside.
 
Depending on the company, all paints are made to work at 70-75 degrees where lab testing is done.

My favorite statement is that leaves us about one day a year to paint in the perfect conditions or we can adjust and paint all year long.
 
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