How long does it take for future to cure and how do you know?

At least 24 hours or more before overcoating in my experience. The longer, the better.

I leave a Future-coated model for 24 hours in my homemade dry booth for at least 24 hours before doing anything.

Agreed!

Really? On the instructions on the bottle label, it says 20-30 minutes to dry and 8 hours between coats (for floors as they intended, obviously). I've been using an 8hr cure time with no issues for quite a while. I guess it's a case of YMMV. This is just my .02.

Chris

Thanks for all your help. I do appreciate it.

I do the "sniff" test and that is almost always right at 24 hours.  

John

Can I assume that the "sniff" test means that if I can still smell the Future it is not fully cured?

Yes, that is my test.  It has never given me a problem once I can no longer smell it.

John

Generally if you can't smell it it should THEORETICALLY be fine. However, I've had nothing but let-downs with the junk for clear coats. I'm not sure if people really can use it effectively, or if they just have lower standards than I've come to have...I used to swear by the stuff...but I've had nothing but problems trying to oil weather over it the past couple of years...that's after a week or more of curing...for some reason it clouds badly.

I've moved on to other products. It's possible the formulation change ruined things...like I say I used to love it.

I've had the same problems.  I much prefer using Testor's Model Master clear laquer for clear coats.

Although I've never had a problem with the latest version of Future (aka Pledge Multi-Surface Floor Care), I prefer using Tamiya clear nowadays.  I just cannot stand the smell of Future.  It has some weird sweet chemical odor and I absolutely hate it.