Using a food dehydrator to dry your paint

[Firemist]

Quick video on using a food dehydrator to speed your paint drying times. I have been using a food dehydrator for some time now because my weekends are precious and I often don't have the energy or time after I come home from work at night during the work week to paint. By using approximately a 70 / 30  mix of enamel paint to lacquer thinner, I have been able to dry my parts to the point where they are ready to assemble and sometimes even polish them out in about 24 hours. After 2 days in the dehydrator set to about 105 F (mine is adjustable) you should be able to polish after letting the part cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Even with lacquer paints that cure fast, you can get a harder finish in a much shorter amount time. 

Since all units vary in temperature, I would test a piece of plastic before letting it sit in and dry overnight. Also, you should make sure the dehydrtor is in dust free area, and let your parts dry for a few minutes before placing them in it to avoid picking up dust particles on your paint job. I have never had a problem at 105 setting and you may even be able to push it slightly higher. If you are using resin, you may want to be careful because it will soften at a lower temperature. Below is a link to the Youtube video that will give you some more info. 


Modeling Tip - Dehydrator

[Faust]

I am a huge dehydrator convert.

I use acrylics, including Aqua Gloss for my gloss coat. The dehydrator takes drying time from days to hours.

I run no higher than 45°C (113°F), but usually around 105°F as Firemist suggested. For me, 8 hours of dehydrator time is literally a week or two airdrying. I use two small plastic bottles, with lids, about 3/4 full as supports for cars. the water adds weight but doesn't get too hot, and will hold the heat for a bit after you power down. I never run mine when I'm not around, or overnight. But that's just me. Its' perfectly safe.

If you don't have one, Christmas time is a good time to find them - they're not always in my local Walmarts and Canadian Tire stores, but they are this time of year!

Happy Drying!

[pbcanney]

The video is blocked here "in my Country" by "WMG" ??