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I finally understood the value of a proper tack rag after watching a painter in Tulsa
He spent 15 minutes wiping down a door skin before base coat, saying 'dust is free, but time isn't.' Has anyone found a better method for final wipe-downs?
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noah9173mo ago
Fifteen minutes on just one door skin? That's a level of patience I've never seen on a job site. I'd be worried the paint would start drying before I even opened the can.
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webb.jordan1mo ago
Wait, have you actually tried a slow reducer like Thomas mentioned or are you just guessing based on normal product? I read a post from some old school bodyman once who swore by it for big flat panels. @thomas_roberts isn't wrong about that extra open time, I've used it myself on hoods and door skins. The paint definitely doesn't flash off as fast, it stays wet enough to lay down smooth without worrying about dry edges. The trick is keeping your booth or garage under 75 degrees too, that helped me a lot with my last project. You'd be surprised how much patience you can have when the material actually cooperates with you.
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thomas_roberts3mo ago
I used to worry about that too until I started using a slow-evaporating reducer. It buys you a solid 45-minute open time in moderate weather. The key is keeping your spray area cool and out of direct sun while you work.
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