Using Enamel Below 50F

[FarmerHR]

The can of enamel I have says to apply it when the temperature is above 50F. Is there any way it can be used on surfaces below 50F? I am working in a an unheated barn in central Michigan.
Thank you for any help you can be to me.
 

[Stephen Newell]

You can use it below 50 degrees but it takes forever to dry enough for another coat. In warm weather the paint would dry hard overnight but below 50 degrees might take 3-4 days to achieve the same hardness. When you paint, paint something you can throw away too. From time to time press your thumb into the paint and see if it leaves the print into the paint. When it gets hard enough there is no print it's ready. Your painting conditions will have to be a lot cleaner too as it will stay dripping wet for a lot longer.
 

[PJH]

Thanks for asking and answering this question - I came here this morning wondering about this myself.
 

[glennster]

theres a couple problems you will run into. generally with enamel, its a 3 coat. first is a tack coat, just enough to get some coverage, it has to flash off to apply the second coat, which goes on heavier to get a full coverage, then it flashes again and the third coat is a full wet coat to get gloss. below 50, the solvents will take forever to flash of for recoats. then you have the dust and dirt issues that will accumulate over a long wait time. then when you apply the final wet coat, its going to run and sag. i would wait for warmer weather, otherwise you will be repainting.
 

[dr sportster]

No -- too many possible added problems. No maker or supplier of paint would want you to do it. No application guide would say to do it.
 

[PJH]

Darn - and I was just thinking how nice it would be with no bugs to get in the wet paint. . .
 

[David G]

I have painted when air temp is below 50 many times, get parts and paint nice and warm.
 

[FarmerHR]

Thank you for your help. It will help me a great deal. You gave me some great ideas. Will do a little experimenting and will post back. (Will be awhile)
Many Thanks Again
 

[Goose]

I wouldn't do it. I've tried it a couple of times and there are simply too many problems with adhesion, dry time, etc. Even using the fastest reducer possible there are still lots of problems. Plus, it seems the products themselves get unpredictable at lower temps.