baking your new paint work??

[al's28/33]

I have read that some folks bake their freshly painted parts in your home oven.... does this provide a harder painted surface that has been tested to withstand common scratches/chips that otherwise would allow the "unbaked" paint to scratch and chip easier ???

I am curious who has some science behind this one.........

 

[ModelA29]

Speed - in the end it doesn't alter the properties of the paint.


1. Air drying

• Process: Natural air drying relies on the evaporation of solvents and the paint's reaction with oxygen in the atmosphere to harden.
• Time: Can take several days to weeks for complete curing, depending on factors like:
  • Temperature: Warmer temperatures generally speed up drying and curing, while cooler temperatures slow it down.
  • Humidity: High humidity can significantly extend drying and curing time.
  • Ventilation: Good airflow aids in solvent evaporation and promotes faster curing.
  • Film Thickness: Thicker coats take longer to dry and cure.
• Considerations: While convenient for many projects, it might be too slow for objects needing quick return to use.

2. Heat curing (baking)

• Process: Involves placing the painted object in an oven and heating it at a specific temperature for a period of time.
• Time: Can drastically shorten the curing time, typically to hours.
  • Example: White enamel paint can be fully cured in 2 to 4 hours at 150°C.
• Benefits:
  • Accelerated Curing: Significantly reduces the time required to achieve maximum hardness and durability.
  • Improved Quality: Can ensure uniformity and durability of the coating. Some enamel formulations benefit more from baking for achieving specific properties like a tougher finish with real asphaltum.
• Considerations:
  • Requires appropriate equipment (e.g., an oven).
  • Not suitable for all materials or projects.

 

[Jim/GA]

I learned long ago not to be in a rush. Give the paint several days to cure. I put mine out in the sun to bake after drying for 2 days. I think that does make the paint more durable.

Regarding your question: I don’t want the paint fumes in my house oven. You could install a second oven out at your shop. Lots of guys do that for powder coating.

 

[nkaminar]

As Jim said, the sun works well. For the Rust-Oleum spray enamel that I use for miscellaneous small parts I use my outdoor gas grill. I adjust the burners to provide about 250 F temperature. The paint cures in about an hour. Otherwise it takes 2 weeks to cure. After the heat cure I can respray it without waiting for days. The heat cure makes a hard surface but not any harder that waiting for a month at room temperature. Enamel paint has oils in it that take forever to evaporate. The heat quickly drives the oil out of the paint.

Depending on the paint that you are using you will need to experiment with the temperature and time. Start with a lower temperature and longer time.

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

We often bake in the booth because it allows us to handle the part(s) quicker, ...and that frees the spray booth up for the next use.

 

[nkaminar]

The two part paint that Brent uses is cured by chemical reaction and the heat definitely speeds that up. I used the sun to cure mine but it took days for a full cure. Wouldn't fit in the grill.

 

[ModelA29]

The two part paint that Brent uses is cured by chemical reaction and the heat definitely speeds that up.

Some 2 part paints offer hardeners and solvents for specific temp ranges.

 

[WHN]

The two part paint that Brent uses is cured by chemical reaction and the heat definitely speeds that up. I used the sun to cure mine but it took days for a full cure. Wouldn't fit in the grill.

Nice shine!

Need picture of the car finished.

Enjoy

 

[nkaminar]

The fenders were scratched and damaged by a previous owner. I took them off the car to repair and paint them but left the rest of the car alone. It is a driver. Photo says two door but it is a Fordor Town Sedan. They got the year right. Milo and Millie.

 

[1crosscut]

For small parts and pieces I will often heat the parts with a torch prior to painting. Just warm enough that it is almost uncomfortable to handle.