Fixing a dirty finish

[stan]

hey DB: yep, it was probably a 40 degree day. And then two days later we had a massive storm that resulted in 100% humidity for around 24 hours. It was probably this combination that killed it.

Stan: Thanks for the info. With auto paint, are you just using spray cans from supersheep? And undercoating grey primer? My biggest concern is the toxicity as the wife and dog both use the garage as a thoroughfare, but I could lock them out for a day or so to allow the nasties to settle. The other thought was modifying one of these: http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/20181113/ as a mobile spray booth, spray outside then store it in the little tool shed down the back (they're pretty cheap at bigW or greenshed).

I get mine from an automotive paint specialist, but alot of their premixed stuff is similar to the auto parts traders stuff. Paint, like all things: you get what you pay for.
I use high build auto primer from a can, so yes: straight onto the timber and it works a treat. I use upol and it's about $18 a can, pricey but very good.

With all paints, and most other finishes, build up in light coats. 3 fine ones are always better than 1 thick one. Helps curing. With colour, as soon as it is even an coverage is complete - you have enough, doesnt have to be thick. Always clear over the top to protect. That can be thicker if you want, but still built with thin coats.

Acrylic paints take quite a while to cure and even if the top is hard, they can be soft underneath, them them plenty of time - weeks, to fully cure.

They hang about in the air a fair bit as well, and a thoroughfare is no place for spray paint - your outdoors idea is a good one.