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Mar 15, 2025 - 11:55 PM
Induction Time in Coatings: What It Is and Why It Matters
Induction time (also called sweat-in time) is the period after mixing a two-component (2K) coating—Part A (resin) and Part B (hardener or catalyst)—before it is ready to be thinned and applied. This waiting period allows the initial chemical reaction between the two components to begin, ensuring a smoother, more uniform application with optimal performance.
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How Induction Works in Coatings
When a 2K coating is mixed, the reaction between the polymer resin and curing agent starts immediately. However, the crosslinking process isn’t instantaneous—certain chemical reactions, especially in high-performance urethane and epoxy coatings, take time to stabilize. Allowing the mixture to induct before adding reducers and spraying results in:
✅ Smoother Spray Pattern – The viscosity stabilizes, leading to a more uniform atomization and silkier application.
✅ Better Gloss & DOI (Distinctness of Image) –
Induction reduces surface tension fluctuations that can cause dulling or irregular reflection. Reduces separation , fisheyes , repelling and blushing.
✅ Stronger Crosslinking & Bonding – Ensures the resin and hardener fully integrate before dilution, improving durability.
✅ More Consistent Dry & Cure Time – Uninducted coatings may flash off inconsistently, leading to patchy finishes.
✅ Reduced Solvent Sensitivity – Without induction, adding thinner too soon can interfere with proper polymerization, affecting adhesion and long-term performance.
Why It’s Critical for SharkGrip Coatings’ Blue & Purple Labels
Your Blue Label (mandatory induction) and Purple Label (recommended induction) topcoats and primers all benefit significantly from this process:
🔵 Blue Label (Mandatory Induction) – These formulas have a higher solids content and advanced crosslinking chemistry, requiring induction for proper polymerization. Longer induction leads to silkier sprayability and enhanced adhesion. 30 minutes induction.
🟣 Purple Label (LPE - Liquid Porcelain Enamel) After 15 minutes induction Recent tests show noticeable improvements across every performance metric when induction is followed.
The depth of gloss and leveling reaches a level unmatched in the industry. With 15 or 30 minutes induction you can pull paper faster too.
How to Induct Your Coatings Properly
1️⃣ Mix Part A & Part B ONLY – Use a mechanical mixer or mix manually but ensure thorough incorporation.
2️⃣ Let the Mixture Sit (Induct) for 15 to 30 Minutes. This allows the initial reaction to stabilize.
3️⃣ Add Your Thinner & Mix Again – After induction, mix in the appropriate reducer, ensuring full homogenization before spraying.
4️⃣ Spray & Observe the Difference, You’ll notice better flow, depth, and overall application quality.
Even when induction isn’t mandatory, all topcoats including SharkGrip topcoats and primers will benefit from the process.
If you want the absolute best depth of gloss, smoothest sprayability, and highest durability, taking the time to induct your coatings is a simple but powerful step to elevate your finish quality.
Why not optimize every aspect of the coating’s performance—so why skip it? It’s easy to build into the routine.
It seems like the last 20 years we’ve done everything we could to speed this process up. I think we can slow it down a little if it means a better product and easier use.
Induction time (also called sweat-in time) is the period after mixing a two-component (2K) coating—Part A (resin) and Part B (hardener or catalyst)—before it is ready to be thinned and applied. This waiting period allows the initial chemical reaction between the two components to begin, ensuring a smoother, more uniform application with optimal performance.
⸻
How Induction Works in Coatings
When a 2K coating is mixed, the reaction between the polymer resin and curing agent starts immediately. However, the crosslinking process isn’t instantaneous—certain chemical reactions, especially in high-performance urethane and epoxy coatings, take time to stabilize. Allowing the mixture to induct before adding reducers and spraying results in:
✅ Smoother Spray Pattern – The viscosity stabilizes, leading to a more uniform atomization and silkier application.
✅ Better Gloss & DOI (Distinctness of Image) –
Induction reduces surface tension fluctuations that can cause dulling or irregular reflection. Reduces separation , fisheyes , repelling and blushing.
✅ Stronger Crosslinking & Bonding – Ensures the resin and hardener fully integrate before dilution, improving durability.
✅ More Consistent Dry & Cure Time – Uninducted coatings may flash off inconsistently, leading to patchy finishes.
✅ Reduced Solvent Sensitivity – Without induction, adding thinner too soon can interfere with proper polymerization, affecting adhesion and long-term performance.
Why It’s Critical for SharkGrip Coatings’ Blue & Purple Labels
Your Blue Label (mandatory induction) and Purple Label (recommended induction) topcoats and primers all benefit significantly from this process:
🔵 Blue Label (Mandatory Induction) – These formulas have a higher solids content and advanced crosslinking chemistry, requiring induction for proper polymerization. Longer induction leads to silkier sprayability and enhanced adhesion. 30 minutes induction.
🟣 Purple Label (LPE - Liquid Porcelain Enamel) After 15 minutes induction Recent tests show noticeable improvements across every performance metric when induction is followed.
The depth of gloss and leveling reaches a level unmatched in the industry. With 15 or 30 minutes induction you can pull paper faster too.
How to Induct Your Coatings Properly
1️⃣ Mix Part A & Part B ONLY – Use a mechanical mixer or mix manually but ensure thorough incorporation.
2️⃣ Let the Mixture Sit (Induct) for 15 to 30 Minutes. This allows the initial reaction to stabilize.
3️⃣ Add Your Thinner & Mix Again – After induction, mix in the appropriate reducer, ensuring full homogenization before spraying.
4️⃣ Spray & Observe the Difference, You’ll notice better flow, depth, and overall application quality.
Even when induction isn’t mandatory, all topcoats including SharkGrip topcoats and primers will benefit from the process.
If you want the absolute best depth of gloss, smoothest sprayability, and highest durability, taking the time to induct your coatings is a simple but powerful step to elevate your finish quality.
Why not optimize every aspect of the coating’s performance—so why skip it? It’s easy to build into the routine.
It seems like the last 20 years we’ve done everything we could to speed this process up. I think we can slow it down a little if it means a better product and easier use.
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