Can you add hardner to paint after you painted?

[samm835]

So I painted above the rubrails on my boat about a month ago. I think I did a good job, I prepped everything(sanded, primed, sanded and painted). I used the rustoleum marine paint (works great), and I didn't add hardner to it when I painted though. I was out last weekend and tied up to a friends boat, we had bouy's in between. Well when we were ready to leave I noticed one of them had some blue on them from rubbing. Now I am having nightmares wishing I had used the hardner. I honestly hated taping that damn boat, but if I need to I will do it again to make sure this stays looking good. My main question is, can I add hardner to my paint and add another/final coat? Will this help or am I screwed? Thanks for any help and ideas.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Can you add hardner to paint after you painted?

Well you could try but, I doubt it will help. The paint it is adhering to will come off when abraded.

 

[samm835]

Re: Can you add hardner to paint after you painted?

I might have said wrong, the paint isn't chipping or coming off that way. Its almost like rubbing, or like it hasn't cured. It has been drying for weeks, in the garage with temps on average low/mid 70s.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Can you add hardner to paint after you painted?

Rustoleum can take Months to fully cure with temps in the 70's. Trying to paint over it now with the hardener added paint would not be a good idea. Either remove it or wait till the end of the summer when this paint has fully cured and then scuff it, acetone it, Prime it and paint it with the Hardener added Paint. No need to use the Marine Paint. the Rustoleum Industrial Enamel is cheaper and works just as well.

 

[jerkoz]

Re: Can you add hardner to paint after you painted?

[am going to use rustoleum marine topside and was informed by rustoleum not to use a hardener. they do not recomend useing it.