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Paint still sticky after weeks

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elvis:
I used a high-gloss jet-black enamel on both my cabs.  After 3-4 days each coat would be dry enough to paint over, but still feel "tacky" to the touch as if it hadn't cured properly.  I didn't let it worry me too much, and just recoated.

It took a good 3-4 weeks for the feeling to go away (by which time it was already in use).  But eventually it dried nice and smooth. 

Both cabs were done in consecutive summers, and being in North-East Australia we have similar temperatures to California.  It might have been a drama if I painted in winter, but "lucky" for me I never have holidays around then.  :)

jedi27:
Sounds like there is definately something goofy with the paint...  OR your surface wasn't prepped - had a lot (A LOT) of oil on it...  OR you mixed two different paints - one oil based, one acrylic / latex... just a thought...

Even oil based enamel should dry within 24 hours or so - depending on humidity / temperature...

I've had a bad can of paint that never really dried correctly - had to wipe it all off, start over..

Take the paint back to the store - bring a small piece of painted material with you to demonstrate it's inability to dry.  Perhaps they'll give you another batch for free...

KungFuJoe:
Both the primer and paint are latex.  I got the good stuff from Home Depot (paint was over 20 bucks for one gallon).  I applied 2 coats of primer and 3 coats of paint sanding in between and allowing time for each coat to dry. 

The paint is not "wet"...but if you leave your hand on it for awhile and apply some pressure, when you lift it off, you feel a sense of "stickyness".  But, no paint is removed and I can even take a paper towel and rub it against the cab pretty hurt and no paint is removed.

It almost sounds as if it's my imagination but I've had a couple other people touch it in the same way and they both said it did feel a bit sticky. 

I guess I'll try leaving it in the sun all day over the weekend.

Grasshopper:
I painted the sides of my control panel with paint that was described as 'enamel' but it also has never really dried. Its stickiness depends upon the temperature.

I thought I'd be safe if I chose paint described as 'enamel' because enamel paint I've used in the past has always dried totally and became rock solid (a bit like automotive paint). Unfortunately some paint manufacturers now seem to take a cavalier approach to describing their paint. I don't believe the stuff I bought was truly enamel. Next time I'll probably buy automotive paint or consult a professional.

coasternuts:
Could laquer or polyurethane be used over latex paints?
If so, how long would you wait after painting.   

Assuming you didn't want to drag it a flight of stairs to sit in the sun.
 ::)

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