This is my first real paint job that i have ever done. I have learned a lot of things (like how to fix runs ) one thing i haven't learned is how to be patient. I have some pieces done and a few that i have to sand back down and repaint. For what ever reason my base coat didn't cure right and stayed tacky. now i have to play the waiting game it doesn't work that well when you try to sand tacky paint... What I thought was going to be a quick one week project is turning in to quite the Job..

 

What's the temp in your garage? Cooler temps will extend the cure time of the paint. Also humidity will affect it too. What paint are you using?

 

I painted it when it was 65 degrees I think that it was how I mixed it due to some of the other parts turned out good and some didn't. I had to mix in the middle due to me thinking that the amount I mixed would be enough but turned out I was wrong.

 

are you actually painting with b/c? If so, the base should have flashed to a matt finish in about 20 minutes. i would suspect that if it stayed tacky, then maybe the amount of activator was wrong. It is always best to apply the clear while the base is still curing, to allow the chemical bonding to take place. when you talk about runs, i would suspect that the paitence thing is what got you into trouble. first coat should be quite dry - flash for 10 minutes or so, second coat wet - it will bond to the tacky first coat, and prevent runs. Flash for 10 minutes or so, then the third coat should be wet/smooth, and it will bond with the first 2, still tacky coats, and there should be no runs. it takes practice and a concious awareness of distance from the work piece.
another thing, and maybe the most important, having quality tools, and making sure they are set up properly. I am in no way an expert, but i have been doing this for about 15 years, and learned may things along the way.