TotalBoat Wet Edge topside paint is an air-dry coating that requires exposure to the ambient air to dry, but under certain conditions the dry time may exceed the expected cure time.
Surface preparation is extremely important. Surface contaminants can slow the cure, or otherwise effect the appearance of TotalBoat Wet Edge. Follow the surface preparation instructions very carefully to ensure the best foundation for Wet Edge.
To promote the best application experience with TotalBoat Wet Edge, the recommended application thickness is 3 mils (wet film thickness), being applied via brush, roll, or spray, to one of the substrates specified on the product as well as the product's Tech Data Sheet. If applied too thick, Wet Edge can take a very long time to cure, or it can form a skin over the exposed surface, trapping uncured paint beneath it. This may leave it feeling soft or gummy for days or even weeks depending on how thick it was applied. Only use the specified solvents to thin the product for the specific application method, and do not use excessive thinner as it may slow the cure under certain conditions. Always allow at least the minimum amount of dry time prior to sanding, or use. When sanding, if the product feels gummy or sticky, or does not easily sand to a very fine powdery residue, then it needs longer to cure before being sanded. Wet Edge should never be sanded or recoated until the previous layer has cured sufficiently. Premature sanding or recoating can extend the cure time for subsequent coats, or leave the surface gummy and soft, as opposed to hard and smooth.
Environmental conditions are probably the number 1 leading cause to Wet Edge topside paint that has not cured. The ambient conditions are extremely important. High humidity, rain, dew, or foggy conditions can dramatically slow the cure of TotalBoat Wet edge, as it reduces the paint's exposure to the air. Any moisture, dampness, or water on the paint can also cause it to haze, or look flat and dull. The best conditions to paint are after the dew has evaporated in the late morning, avoiding windy conditions, direct sunlight, between 50-90°F, and lower relative humidity conditions. Avoid painting in the mid to late afternoon if the evening dew can be a factor on the cure of the paint. Cooler conditions will slow the cure of the paint dramatically, and warmer conditions can even make the paint dry too fast. Direct sunlight can help bake the paint dry even quicker, but this can create spotty areas that cured quicker, and other areas that cured slower.
The one thing to remember is TotalBoat Wet Edge topside paint WILL dry. It may take longer than specified on the product under certain conditions, so always pick the day with the best weather conditions for the paint, apply it thin and evenly, and apply only as much thinner as required for the conditions. It is always better to stay on the side of caution and give any brand of topside paint longer to dry, rather than trying to rush.