TotalBoat Wet Edge Troubleshooting Guide – Jamestown Distributors

The TotalBoat Wet Edge Troubleshooting Guide helps customers by quickly pinpointing solutions for their most common product issues, based upon observed symptoms. It is extremely important to put meticulous care into the surface preparation and application parameters for Wet Edge topside paint to ensure the best results. Always reference the Wet Edge Technical Data Sheet for the most comprehensive surface preparation and application directions.

SYMPTOMS	ISSUE	SOLUTION
Fisheye occurred when applied	Poor surface preparation, leading to surface contamination	Remove paint, if needed. Prepare the surface more thoroughly. Reapply Wet Edge.
Paint peeled off after it dried	Bad surface prep Incompatible substrate	Only apply Wet Edge to surfaces that are considered compatible. Remove paint, if needed. Perform all surface preparation more thoroughly. Prime with TotalBoat Topside Primer.
Wet Edge did not dry properly	Temperature too low or too high Improper application thickness High relative humidity (RH) Paint was not thinned properly/as needed	The acceptable temperature range is 50-90ºF. For warmer conditions (roughly 70-75ºF and up), Wet Edge may need to be thinned to improve proper flow, working time, and proper thickness. Ideal application is 3 mils wet (1-2 mils dry). If Wet Edge is applied too thickly, the paint may surface-cure, leaving solvents and wet paint underneath. In most cases this will only prolong dry times by days or even weeks. The paint can be removed and repainted, if waiting for the soft paint to cure is not desirable. The acceptable relative humidity (RH) to apply Wet Edge is 0-90%. Applying Wet Edge in conditions over 70% humidity can slow the cure rate of the paint. Applying Wet Edge over 90% RH can dramatically increase the dry time, and create a higher risk of a dull finish. Only designed to be used with TotalBoat Special Brushing Thinner 100 or TotalBoat Spray Thinner 101 for spraying. These solvents will give Wet Edge a sense of flow and extend the wet-edge time, but if overused, the final gloss finish can be reduced, drips may occur, or the paint may not cure within the expected timeframe. Any other solvents may have adverse effects, including Penetrol and Japan Drier, if not used properly.
Alligatoring	A previous layer of primer or paint was not fully dry when overcoated with Wet Edge.	Allow the paint to cure completely for at least 48 hours. Sand the alligatored paint smooth with 320-grit sandpaper. Wait at least 24 hours for any previous coats to finish curing. Clean the surface as directed, and reapply Wet Edge.
Holidays	Brushing or rolling was attempted on an area that was beyond the 'wet edge' stage, and the paint was starting to dry on the surface. The paint was not thinned sufficiently.	Area can be lightly sanded after drying, and another layer of paint can hide the problematic area. Thin the paint, as needed, to have a sufficient wet-edge time for the ambient conditions.
Separation of pigments/paint, or lack of gloss	Improper thinning Dew/water settled on the paint before it fully tacked over.	Only use the recommended solvents, at the specified percentages, with Wet Edge. Do not apply Wet Edge later in the day, or when dew, rain, or heavy fog may be present before the surface has a chance to dry sufficiently.
Air bubbles on the surface of cured Wet Edge	Paint was not thinned appropriately. Roller application was not 'tipped' with a paint brush after.	Use recommended amounts of appropriate thinners for best flow, self-leveling, and working time, When rolling, roll against the grain, if possible, and tip with a high-quality, natural-bristle, high bristle count paint brush, in the direction of the grain immediately after. This takes a little time and practice to master but alleviates most bubbles and leaves a very smooth surface.
Wet Edge did not stick/adhere to the surface	Only use Wet Edge on compatible substrates. Poor surface preparation	Only apply Wet Edge to compatible substrates. Remove any Wet Edge that has poor adhesion to the substrate. Perform all surface preparation again, with extra care and diligence. Reapply Wet Edge.
A lower gloss finish is desired	Add flattening/matting agent.	The TotalBoat paint line does not offer a proprietary flattening agent. Interlux, Pettit, and Epifanes make products that are compatible. ONLY use products specified for ONE-PART FINISHES. For best results, apply the first 1-2 coats without the flattening agent and use the agent for the finish coat. Always perform test samples until the desired finish is achieved, before attempting the final project.

Related articles