Nitro curing time

[sshorepunk]

Hi

I have a question regarding the curing time required for a nitro refinish
I have had two quotes for a refinish and turnaround times varied, the longer time was due to the amount of time required for a nitro finish to be fully cured!
I guess a lot of this depends on the facilites the sprayer has available, i.e. heating capability
Any of you guys have any experience that may help, I'm thinking longer is better, but the longer time does take my bass out of action for a while!

Thx

Tony

[praisegig]

I use a 30 day curing time after the last nitro coat is applied. For every 3 coat I allow a week to cure as a ballpark figure. This time frame is used to allow the gas off of the solvents and hardening of the top coats, before wet sanding and polishing. It can be done earlier, but nitro shrinks as it cures. If sprayed over ash (if grain filler is not used), you could have it shrink back into the grain. If sprayed over alder, you will not see the shrinkage. Basically, it is up to the refinisher's comfort level in allowing it to going out the door before he thinks it is ready. Hope that answers your concern, maybe you can borrow a bass in the mean time...

[Pilgrim]

Great excuse to buy an inexpensive back-up bass!

[sshorepunk]

Thx for the advice!

Tony

[Giraffe]

The textbook answer is you should wait one month after spraying the last coat of nitro before rubbing it out. When you add that month onto the time required to prep, shoot, and final rub, You're probably talking two months from the time the tech actually begins working on your bass. I've had success with shorter cure periods, but I believe I can see and feel a difference in the finished product.

It ain't instant pudding! Top shelf work is priceless, but it takes time.

[kcjewel]

I use the water based acrylic laquer and after 12 coats it only has to cure for 6 days before wet sanding and buffing.
John and the crew