clear coat cure time - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Traditions2 · 03-22-2009, 10:10 AM

I just finished another countertop refinish. I used the same material as I normally use. I am usually in and out in a day. However, the ho called me back because the finish felt soft after about 18 hours. I agreed that the finish was soft. However, I told him it would cure out in another 24 hours. However, now I am nervous that it isn't going to harden. We used a high solids aliphatic urethane. Three coats. Is it normal for it to feel soft after this amount of time?

gideond · 03-22-2009, 11:39 AM

What cure time is recommended between coats on this product? If you went by the directions it should have hardened by now. These are generally two part products in my experience and thus use a chemical cure, which is much faster that other urethanes.

Traditions2 · 03-22-2009, 11:45 AM

container says spray two to three coats pausing 2-3 minutes between each coat. It is midwest chemicals hsld 5000. It is a 2 part.

Traditions2 · 03-22-2009, 11:46 AM

so if it doesn't harden then what? Am I basically screwed? Would another coat over the top do anything?

WisePainter · 03-22-2009, 01:23 PM

I would let it sit for a bit longer and distract the HO with some sorted tales of your childhood or something. If it doesn't cure within another 24 hours in my opinion your only option is to strip it down and start over.
High solids is serious business.

Traditions2 · 03-22-2009, 01:48 PM

talked to the owner of the chemical company and he said it wouldn't fully cure down hard for awhile longer. He said it will continue to cure for three more weeks. He said it should be fine. Hope so. It isn't super soft. I was able to wet sand it down this morning to remove a little orange peel. Just feels soft to the touch. It hasnt even been twenty four hours so i should probably just relax about it.

Workaholic · 03-22-2009, 03:04 PM

Yep give it a bit more time. Let the HO know that sometimes it takes awhile to fully cure.

Traditions2 · 03-23-2009, 07:59 AM

Yeah I am hoping for a rock hard finish late today!!! I've really been stressing over it. I don't want to be buying some countertops!

Traditions2 · 03-23-2009, 05:48 PM

Just stopped by. The countertop is harder.(I think) However, it isn't rock hard like Id hoped. If I were to have to remove the clear what would be the best option. I know the primer and multistone are fine. Would it be possible to wet sand all the way down to the multistone? Need some thoughts here. Midwest said it will eventually harden so I should probably quit bitching about it. Just want some input from some actual pros.

ModernStyle · 03-23-2009, 07:56 PM

Thats a tough one, trying to explain to a HO that he cant use his counters for 3 weeks. Good Luck. I honestly hope it works out for you, the pics you posted of them looked good, it would be a shame to have to do something drastic at this point.

Traditions2 · 03-23-2009, 08:01 PM

The desk and one of the small counters are hard enough to use now. I did them the day before the others. They are still a little soft but are fine to use. I'm hoping in a couple days that the others are hard enough to use. Like I said. They aren't soft enough that you can sit something on them and it leaves a dent. Just feels a bit rubbery.