Another stupid question... sorry

QUOTE: Originally posted by MagicMoonMonkey I airbrushed another model last night at 11pm. I used enamel paint on this particular model. The finish was superb (thanks to you guys), but today the model is still slightly tacky to the touch. Silly question time. Is this normal after over 20 hours drying time?

Hello Magic.... and welcome to the best modeling forum around!

There's nothing so silly, as a questioned unasked. It sounds to me like your paint job woes is a Humidity issue. If you see splotches materialize, that may be due to greasy fingerprints on the plastic.... but it sounds like Humidity.

Hope this helps some, of course, there's others who may have an exact answer for you, so please check back.

Take care,
Frank

Thank you oldhooker for your response.

In regards to my problem being a humidity issue, how do you propose I proceed?

Thank you for your time.

MMM

sounds like it's going ok. Gloss enamel is slow-drying stuff. A dehumidifier would accelerate the drying some, but you might cheat yourself out of some of the additional leveling that enamel is capable of as it slowly cures. Plan on leaving it alone for 2 weeks before micro-meshing it. You've probably got plenty of other stuff to keep ya busy during that time.

MMM,

I use a dehumidifier in my workroom, but generally avoid painting anything if the humidity is very high outside. If I were you, I'd set the body aside somewhere that's well air conditioned, under a box to prevent undo lint collection, and give it a few days. The problem may correct itself. If it doesn't............... well, if it doesn't, hopefully someone else will chime in here that's had to deal with a finish that stays sticky.

If you don't get a satisfactory answer, I suggest going to the "Auto", or "General Modeling Discussion" groups and ask.

Hope this helps some...
Frank

Sometimes enamels are just like that, they take a long time to dry. Did you clean the surface prior to painting? If there was grease on the surface from the molding process that could slow the drying time down. I'd just leave it for a day or two and see if it cures.

Move it someplace that is as dry as you can find and has some air circulating. I use cardoard boxes with holes cut in them and coffee filters taped over the holes. That keeps the dust out and lets air circulate. I also frequently blow a fan through to increase the circulation.

Actually sounds to me like everything is fine. Youll have to wait a while for them to be get "handlable". 2 weeks mentioned before, sounds about right.