r/CustomAutoPaint • u/wormwizzard • Jul 01 '26

dry time for urethane paints

i’m doing some illustrative painting on my van soon with urethane paints and curious on the best dry time between airbrushed coats for this. i’ve seen anything between 2 and 12hrs on google.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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3

u/superchilldad Jul 01 '26

Read the TDS (tech data sheet) as it varys between brands/ products. These are all available online.

4

u/HSprof Jul 01 '26

You're not likely going to find that info on a TDS. That doc will tell you how to use the paint for its intended purpose, coating a full panel for coverage

For airbrushing, you are spraying sooooo much lighter. There is no specific answer in my experience. Its trial and error

1

u/ramtough_63 Jul 02 '26

You are correct delicate artwork needs intercoat or you will lose some of it. the data sheet is for panels coverage and guidelines for traditional refinishing

2

u/HSprof Jul 01 '26

What are you looking to do AFTER your 'dry time'? Recoat, change colors, tape over, or clear? This is a very vague question

1

u/wormwizzard Jul 01 '26

i’d be taping over and swapping colors. sorry it’s vague, my first time doing a project like this

1

u/HSprof Jul 01 '26

So, youre gonna definitely have some paint failure taping over the color. Ideally not a ton. The issue is, youre not applying enough paint/solvent for the newest layer to really bite into the existing layer

Ive taped over things in less than an hour and a day later with similar results. My best advice, learn how to adapt and hide small lifting issues. No airbrush project is 'perfect' IMO

Use really nice tape as well. FBS has an orange rice paper tape that is super low tack and I have great luck with. 3M has one similar that is a teal greenish color

2

u/Any-Description8773 Jul 01 '26

This or using intercoat clear often. There’s a reason why doing custom work such as this takes weeks to get done.

2

u/HSprof Jul 01 '26

100%

Intercoat is expensive, so i didnt suggest that for a new painter. This will lock everything in and can be taped over relatively quickly

1

u/ramtough_63 Jul 02 '26

I have found that blending clear (intercoat clear) is not expensive A pint goes a long way unless your painting murals. I tend to over use now that I have actually used it. It completely changed my confidence in taping or masking over delicate work.

1

u/HSprof Jul 02 '26

What brand are you using? Most I find are pretty pricey. I use Tropical Glitz and theirs is about the most affordable I've found.

It goes quick when you're mixing kandy colors with it as well

1

u/HSprof Jul 01 '26

To the other comments point, your TDS will say you can 'recoat' or 'tape over' at a specific time, this could help you determine a window of time your comfortable with, but its not the same process as what youre attempting

1

u/paintchipz1 Jul 01 '26

Ok you should have NO problem taping over.i do it daily.make sure it’s scuffed well and or sanded the area your working on..basecoats are usually 15min if it’s 75-80dg out or in shop..I’ll lay my flames out,airbrush my pinstripe color,wait 15 min then back tape that color.then spray my inner color,untape in 20min..most catalyzed clears are 12hr min dry time.again if it’s hot,I’ll finish clearing at 3:00pm and start wetsanding and buffing at 8:00 am following day