Time to spray 1 instrument

I've been having a few problems with applying Nitro to a current build. I just read thru StewMacs lacquer spraying schedule for the nth time. I believe I am trying to spray too much finish too quickly. This did not happen at all on my first Nitro application, and I am doing it the exact same way. So my primary question is How much time does it take you to spray the lacquer coats on one instrument ?
The way StewMac shows it, it could take all day. Do you leave your spray rig full of material in between coats. They say tack coat, then wait 45 minutes, next coats, wait a few hours, etc. This allows solvents to rise out of the finish, which could be the crux of my difficulties, very small pits that I can't sand out. I have usually done it over a shorter length of time. Will the solvents eventually rise out of the finish if you apply too much too soon, or are they trapped ? StewMac says you can wet sand after 4 days. I've read here earlier you should wait 4 to 6 weeks.

Any help ?

Thanks, Mike

Do you have any moisture in the airlines or high humidity or temperature? How heavy are the coats? I usually wait 3-4 hours between coats and never have any problems. You leave nitro in your gun for a week if you want without any trouble. If you wet sand after 4 days, in about a month as the nitro cures its going to shrink and you will have to wet sand it again to get it level. One thing you don't want to do is rush.

No moisture, I use an Earlex 5500 Turbine system. I think it might be a combination of the coats maybe being too heavy and me not having enough patience. Thanks for the tip about leaving the Nitro in the gun for awhile. I was afraid it might just dry up in the gun.

Thanks, Mike

I usually wait 10 minutes between coats (not "passes" - those only require a 45-90 second wait, usually).

There is NO perfect rule, as timing depends on ambient AND surface temperature, relative humidity, and air flow across the coated surface.

The other major factor - most often missed by those who think they're using HVLP equipment but aren't using what professionals (and air quality authorities) consider the real thing is that pro-quality HVLP's 1) run at <4PSI at the gun, and 2) use an air hose (in the case of a cup-gun type unit) the diameter of a garden hose...plus the air is *heated*. Heated air plus low pressure/high output = smooth, fast drying coats. I've fooled with so-called HVLP siphon guns, detail guns, "bleeder" HVLP's (which have the air on ALL the time, a bad idea) and although in the hands of a seasoned veteran finisher they can get great results they are very difficult for an amateur to handle (there are union painters that can't get a a grip on spray technique with higher-pressure, non-heated HVLP's.

This is one area where the equipment can make all the difference in the world to an inexperienced painter. But don't forget what I said about temperature and humidity - if you don't know how those affect paint results I suggest doing a good bit of research on professional painting websites (not guitar sites).