smurfsdad said:
I've seen the word "flash" used many times and hate to say that I'm not sure what it means. Evaporate?
Thanks for helping me out...
Smurfsdad
Not a "dumb" question at all, as a matter of fact one of those things that beg to be clarified.
"Flash" is when the first of the solvents which are in the product, (the carriers, cleaners, etc) start to evaporate from the product.
The "flash" will leave what is known as the "indicators", the powder if you will, the stuff you see.
That does NOT mean that the product is 'dry" or "cured", only that the first of process of drying/curing is taking place.
An example is that which most observe when using a final sealant/wax and see the "indicators" powder and think it is ready to be "wiped off", and than is not necessarily true.
An exhibit of this is when they attempt to wipe off too quickly, they have a "smearing "concern or such, things are not as "dry" as they think. (some of which may be generated by some previously applied polishes, etc, as they may be of a different resin system and more "oil or silicone oil" than what the final may be able to bond to.)
The top solvent release is just part of the curing process.
All automotive polishes, waxes, sealants are actually cured by an "aerobic" process.
Aerobic means "air", and "air" is what creates the final cure, the cross linking of the molecules to form the surface that all desire.
The carrier solvents,and some other finer ones, must be allowed to leave the resins of the product and allow air to do the crosslinking of the substrate resins or it will never get to it's full protective abilities.
The same chemistry applies to today's and yesterday's paint systems, the solvents must be released to obtain curing and crosslinking.
I hope this was not too technical or not enought, just a quick primer in what goes on with coatings such as enthusists and professional detailers are working with.
Grumpy
