I've Left Your Paint To Dry But It Still Feels Soft

Fully water-based products dry quickly but cure slowly so it is essential that notice is taken of the curing times for each individual product.

If films remain soft after the detailed curing time it is normally due to one of the following reasons:

- Excessive moisture or other chemical compound has been introduced to the paint film/ system before it has fully cured. Most commonly reported softening incidents are down to excessive steam in kitchens (cooker hoods) or bathrooms due to cooking or showering. You can cook and shower when the films are curing but a sensible view must be taken if the room becomes saturated with steam then an adverse effect is probable. The second most common occurrence is washing or wiping the paint system before it is fully cured. in general terms, we recommend leaving any new system around 4 weeks before heavy washing.

- Contamination of the surface by aggressive solvents or hydrocarbons. Some contaminants are very hard to remove from surfaces prior to painting. We have found petrol, diesel, acids and ingrained oils on surfaces tested for system failure. If aggressive solvents and compounds are left on the surfaces then it is very likely WB systems will not cure.

The simple fix for both scenarios is to ensure curing times are adhered to and treat new paint films gently initially. When it comes to chemical contamination the paint film will require scraping back, substrate fully cleaned, prior to priming and painting.