Painting - Alkyd Primer Not Curing

I applied Duron Dura Clad 50 Alkyd Primer about 48 hours ago in a low humidity environment. The temperature has been about 80 degrees during the day and 60 at night. The paint was applied to new copper that was sanded with 80 grit paper and cleaned with paint thinner. The problem is that the paint is still rubbery and can be easily removed with a light graze of a fingernail.

Should I be worried that something is wrong with the paint? How long do alkyd primers take to fully harden? The data sheet for the paint only say that the paint will dry to the touch in 4 hours (at 77 degrees F) and can be recoated in 18 hrs. The paint was newly purchased and shaken at the paint store immediately before application. Also, drops of the paint on wood/cement etc exhibit the same characteristics, so I dont' think it's a function of the metal (the paint specifically states that it can be applied to copper).

Thanks for any advice!

Primer isn't formulated to dry to a hard film. It's main purpose is to bond and seal. You should go ahead and apply your finish paint.

Thanks for the response. It's the "bonding" aspect that I'm concerned about since the primer can be removed so easily.

Is the idea to coat the primer with a harder curing paint that will prevent the primer from being removed as easily? Thanks for the help, I'm a bit confused...

It takes paint and primer time to cure. Until it has cured, the paint/primer is vunerable to damage. Primer isn't formulated for wear. As long as the primer is dry enough to recoat, it should be painted over as soon as practical.

I'm not overly familiar with Duron's coatings but I suspect you are worring over nothing.