Slow drying and curing paint

[Dengue]

I have painted 2 coats of Dulux AquaNamel Glossy with a roller on a plywood cabinet, each coat 24 hours apart, and the plywood was primed with Dulux 3 in 1 primer. After 10 days, the paint is still quite soft and scratches easily. This cabinet is being used in a workshop and therefore the finish is unsuitable for it. Current temperature is 30degC and 60 - 75% humidity

Here is the response from Dulux, which may be of interest to this forum:

Higher temperatures & high humidity will retard & slow down the drying & more importantly the curing of the product. Drying & curing times are based on 25 degrees & 50% humidity, with Aquanamel taking a minimum of 7 days to fully cure under those conditions. The Aquanamel will take more time for fully cure under the conditions you have mentioned below.

For a workshop cabinet I would suggest using the Dulux Super Enamel High Gloss as it is a tougher finish, however the curing time is likely to take the same time or longer under those conditions.

[Sir Stinkalot]

Jill,

The advice seems about right. I have just finished applying 2 coats of the 3 in 1 over raw timber, and then 2 coats of aquanamel (internal doors and trim). My temperatures are much lower but I find that it is drying well. 24 hours on and it has a different feel than after the 2 hour recommended drying time.

The enamel had better wearing properties and would be better suited to the shed environment, especially if you are in no real hurry and can give it plenty of time to dry.