chalky surface on my new paint job

[DougyB]

Put the last coat on today, but every coat iv painted so far has had a very chalky surface before sanding, and thats with plenty of time in between coats. Im using 16 oz of alkyd enamel, oz of min. spirits, oz. of tractor enamel hardner,and 3.5 oz xylene per mix with 30 min in between mixing and coating... temps are 60 to 70 during day, 50 to 60 at night. Anyone else experience this? Did i do something wrong? Will this go away? The only thing i could think is buy alkyd enamel hardner instead. When i rolled this paint a few years ago it dried harder and quicker just by itself

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: chalky surface on my new paint job

The xylene might be doing it. I only recommend Xylene with a 50/50 mix with mineral spirits and only when the temps are in the 60's. The other issue is Acrylic Enamel has a minimum of a 4 hour recoat window. I prefer to do One coat per 8 hours if the temps and humidity will allow for it. How's your humidity? Lots of variables when it comes to paint.