How to use paint hardener (curing agent)

There are two kinds of paint drying:

One is physical drying. After the solvent components in the paint volatilize, the remaining solid component becomes the paint film.

Another is chemical drying. Component A and B react and crosslink together to be the paint film. The component B is what we call the hardener, and also call the curing agent. This shortens the paint drying time and at the same time makes the paint stronger.

To better cure the paint, many people will choose to use paint hardener. However, some people complain that the effect of paint hardeners is not good.

In this case, it is usually because the using method is wrong. So, what is the right way to use the paint hardener?

1. How to use paint hardener?

Pre-mixed paint is a mixture of hardener and main paint, and it can be directly applied without adding additional hardener. However, for the polyester paint and polyurethane paint, the package of the main paint and hardener and thinner is separate. When the paint is applied, mix them well according to the proportion then use them within the specified time, otherwise, it will be dry. Without the hardener, the paint wouldn't be dry after application.

2. Precautions for the use of paint hardener

1). Humidity

When the humidity is higher than 80%, it is not suitable for the application. Otherwise, there will be whitening or other problems resulting in the paint film.

2). Clean

The ash and dust in the room must be completely cleaned, as well as the surface.

3). Temperature

It is very important to control the indoor temperature when starting the work. When the temperature is below 5°C, the paint drying time will be longer.

4). When floor paint is applied, should consider the impact on wall paint. It's usually to paint the wall first, but leaving the top layer to paint after the floor paint is finished.

5). Painting layer

a. The paint should be thin rather than thick, and it can be applied in multiple thin layers;

b. When doing multi-layer coating construction, the up layer should be applied after the lower layer is dry, and each layer should be polished;

c. The two-component or three-component paint must be mixed evenly according to the proportion, and then let it stand for 15 minutes to release the air bubbles before use. If necessary, it should be filtered before being used. After the paint is well mixed, it must be used up within 4 hours.