Soft Paint?

[Hyme]

I have completed my paint job on my Harley tank and fenders. I used rattle can for the base and cleared with a lacquer based (PPQ). It has been about 2 weeks since I finished and I can still press my fingernail into it and leave an impression.

Did I do something wrong or is lacquer paint softer than others? Will it get harder over time?

 

[RAD Airbrush]

The laquer over the enamel base is going to cause problems. Rattle cans just don't have the hardener like an automotive paint will. I am not a paint expert but if I remember correctly You can only put enamel over Laquer. ????

 

[Hyme]

I should have been more specific. The rattle can paint I used was Duplicolor Mirage which is lacquer based.

 

[rex]

Lacquer is soft by nature and will mark somewhat easy,but it depends.If you're really pressing it will indent some but it should flow back out.How many coats are there from the sealer?Also,how much did you thin the clear and what did you use.Please say you didn't use retarder.

Rad,you're right.Lacquer will wrinkle the hell out of enamels.There are exceptions,but they're tricky.

 

[Hyme]

I've got probably 8-10 total coats including primer, color, and clear. I used Duplicolor for the primer and color (rattle can). For the clear I went with HOK lacquer on the fenders and PPG Duraclear lacquer on the tanks. I mixed both per the mfg. recommendations (HOK 1:1 & PPG 1:2 clear to lacquer thinner). I did not use any retarders.

Rex, thanks for the comments. You have eased my mind a little. I had to press pretty hard with my fingernail to leave an indention. I like the looks of my 1st job but next time I will definitely go with urethane paints.

 

[TAZ]

Rex is right,
Lacquer is soft by nature since it is not catalyzed. It will probably even seem softer if you put it out in the sun. Looks like you did everything correctly.

Be sure and seal around the filler cap, You don't want the vapors to get under that lacquer. Keep the gas off that paint too!
You can read a reply I just posted here.

 

[rex]

Hyme,if you don't know the maintenance here's a few tips.First don't wax it for at least 90 days for the amount you applied,and do the first 1 or 2 times thin,just keep it clean for now.Remember it's soft and scratches easy when you wash it,wax or not.Don't let it live in the sun,it'll check(crack).No biggie if you're out for the day and it sees sun,but keep it in the garage or sheltered most of the time.Don't let anything sit on the paint for extended periods.Not tying luggage or something on it is easy,but if birdshit or rain gets on it and it sets in the sun,it'll spot and ring.After a while you'll probably want to scuff it down and reclear it to freshen it up after all this stuff happens over time-don't just keep buffing it.This is extreme but lacquer will shatter if it's suddenly placed in a hot environment while it's really cold,like the tank's in the 20 degree garage and you bring it in the house by the fire.