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Paint Drying versus Curing - 3 hours for Water Based Paint

2003

We are investigating methods to cure water based paint on structural angle iron, rapidly enough to allow bundling within 3 hours ( the target time ). Our paint is approximately 50 - 55% water content and to date we have experimented with heated air in a vented "booth". The air temperature is a maximum of 38C and the drying time is 3 hours. Fans are used to provide air movement.

Looking for comments regarding infrared and dehumidified air.

We are getting great drying times but are experiencing paint sticking to itself when test bundles are opened.

Rob Effinger
- Elmira, On, Canada

Hi Rob,

Maybe you can use a 2-component water-based paint.

Good Luck,

JAN RIJN
- GOES, THE NETHERLANDS
2003

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Hi Rob,

I would go back to your paint supplier and ask him for a paint that will cure at room temperature in the specified time. If they don't have one, look for a new supplier; they've got to be out there.

George Gorecki
- Naperville, Illinois
2003

Thanks for the reply! Would a 2 component water based paint have a drying agent in it, similar in concept to acrylic enamel where you would add a catalyst agent? We are applying all of our paint to galvanized parts, so, I will contact our paint supplier and see what they have to offer.

Rob Effinger
Trylon - Elmira, ON, Canada
2003

Hi George,

Our supplier is investigating and running some samples in their lab, but so far no luck. 20 years ago we might not have had this problem, because there would not have been an issue with air pollution and worker safety, so a catalyst type paint would have given us a cure time of hours. I think I prefer to deal with the shorter curing than the pollution / safety issues.

Regards,

Rob Effinger
Trylon - Elmira, On, Canada
2003

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February 16, 2012

Hi guys,

We do a lot of work with IR heat solutions for water based paints. A 2kw IR module could help with your operations.

Neil

Neil Shah
- Pune, MH, India