How does rain affect the curing process?

piblondin

New member
I did my winter prep over the weekend using the following steps:



a) Wash with Meguiar's Gold Class Shampoo

b) Clay with Clay Magic

c) Polish with Poorboy's Professional Polish

d) Two coats of Poorboy's EX-P Sealant

e) One coat of Meguiar's #16 Wax



However, just when I finished removing #16, the rain started out here in California. :o It's continued raining off and on for the past few days, and my car's been out in the driveway b/c I don't have a garage. Anyhow, I'm curious to know how the water affects the curing process. I'm thinking that I may apply EX-P or #16 again after the next time I wash...probably next week once the rain lets up for a few days. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!
 
I'm not sure that rain would have any affect on freshly-applied carnauba. I think it's more of a concern to the curing process of sealants. I may be wrong, and would certainly like to know how water affects the curing of sealants, but I don't think curing is an issue with carnauba.
 
One of my good customers always likes it when it rains soon after I detail his vehicles. That's because his dad always used to tell him that the rain actually helps to harden-up the wax.
 
~One man’s opinion / observations~



Be sure that the surface of the vehicle can be left undisturbed from rain and water (this includes QD’s as they contain water) until the polymer has cross-linked or the surface protection may be compromised.



~Hope this helps~



Knowledge unshared is experience wasted

justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ Jon
 
piblondin said:
TOGWT--



How long does that process take?



~One man’s opinion / observations~



Cross-Linking:

The time required between removing residues and when the product forms a molecular bond to the paint film surface these time requirements vary in accordance with the product formulation. Sufficient time should be allowed between removing residue and applying more ‘layers.’



Polymer Acrylic – 24 to 72 hours, do not allow water on the paint surface until the polymer has fully cross-linked. these times are a guide only as they will vary by formula, ambient air temperature and humidity



~Hope this helps~



Knowledge unshared is experience wasted

justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ Jon
 
I agree...after talking to my chemist a while back he told me that keeping a sealant dry for 72 hours gives the product the best longevity, this includes QD's ...if you detail your vehicle often as most do, then this is not a great concern. If you are doing your winter prep though, I would plan to do the sealant when there is a clear weather forcast for a few days:)
 
Thanks for your replies about sealants. That is very interesting information and has really helped me understand how to proceed with my processes.
 
ZJ JIM 96 said:
Thanks for your replies about sealants. That is very interesting information and has really helped me understand how to proceed with my processes.



I agree. This thread has helped to reinforce a lot of threads I've read. The explanations provided by TOGWT & Poorboy have made a lot of sense...and convinced me to wait until after the possiblity of rain passes to do VM + EX-P.



Thanks for asking piblondin!
 
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