used spray paint on enclosure. Looks great but not sure good enough

[sonicnuance]

Hi all,
    I painted an enclosure with the following Dupli-color products (after sanding and cleaning prep):

1) Self etching primer
2) Metalcast ground coat
3) Metalcast top coat (colored transparent clear coat)
4) Perfect Match clear coat

All of the applications were per the directions on the cans.  However, after a day of drying, The finish is still soft enough that I can dent it with a fingernail.  Is this normal?  I'm new to this so I'm not sure if I am expecting too much.

Also, I'm not sure I really need the self etching primer, but I've seen it mentioned on this forum quite a bit.

Thanks in advance

[Earthscum]

That's normal. If you are expecting something instantly hard, you will want to look into catalyzed paints... messy, expensive, not worth it for DIY, unless you are just a geek like that (if I had the money, lol...).

I use Acrylic Lacquer spray and it is usually soft for about 2 weeks, even after I bake it. It's just the final bits of solvent being released. It should still retain an amount of the smell until it fully cures, as well. No worries, sounds like you did it correctly. 

[petey twofinger]

i got a waring toaster oven  ( for 12 bucks at goodwill) cause i was sick of putting stuff in the boiler room . it does help for in between coats but i have realized that it just takes a few weeks . especially if you end up with thick coats , then clear on top . some things take longer than others . i am clearly no expert , but have no fear , eventually it will finish curing .

i may be wrong but it seems to me the " flat " spray paint dries a lot faster than the gloss does . then again i have been using the wallmart 1 dollar a can stuff so what do i know ! they krylon clear coat seems to tack up very fast  . one thing is if i bake the chassis then paint while it is still hot it really tacks up fast .

is using that technique a mistake ?

[deadastronaut]

+1

i use a toaster oven straight after clearcoat...only for 5 minutes...otherwise it bubbles/burns.....thisway there is no dust etc falling on it while it dries as well...

when it cools, its like glass, and can be handled instantly...

when using paint, let it dry properly between coats,(quick toast)  otherwise it will stay wet/tacky for ages...