It's getting cold out; can I paint?

[mr.kenny]

I just wondered if it is okay to paint when it is cold (40s-50s) or will I have problems? :confused: I read somewhere it is okay as long as your paint in the pot is warm for proper atomizaton.... Or will I have problems with curing, adhesion or???
Any experience here?

[Len]

Most paints with hardeners are designed to be applied at 60 degrees F. or above. If you apply them at temps below 50-55 you could experience several things....
1. The paint dropplets can cool in the air causing them to NOT flow properly when they hit the surface.
2. The cool surface that you're painting will cause the paint to not flow properly and generate a rough job.
3. Cold conditions won't allow the solvent or the hardener to do it's job and this can cause several short and long term problems.

If you have cold conditions you'd be wise to warm one or two panels using a heat lamp, apply your paint (or primer) then continue to keep the panels warm with the lamp for a couple of hours until the paint has cured.


http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/inf141000.jpg
110V Infratech Heat Lamp Link (http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=inf141000&Category_Code=PSH)