How cold can it be still Paint Equipment

[D-C-741]

I have a cupple of unfinished paint jobs & would like to have a idea on this.
 

[Stephen Newell]

It varies from paint to paint. We would have to know specifically which paint you are using. If you are using automotive paint it could also vary depending on which thinner you are using. I use Nason and with a fast solvent it's 50 degrees. If it's a medium solvent it's 65 degrees. If it's a slow solvent it's 85 degrees.
 

[CNKS]

PPG Omni's fastest reducer says 55 degrees. I don't like going below 65, with 70-75 preferred.
 

[David G]

I will paint in 50 degree weather, IF it is a sunny day, the equipment was kept warm inside all night, and the paint was kept where it was warm. I do not believe the air temperature is as much of an issue as the material temperature.
 

[JRSutton]

I tried painting in 45 degree weather (hoping for sun warmth) using valspar's restoration series paint.

It cured with dull whitish patches all over the place.

I think you're pushing things if it's 55 or below.
 

[sflem849]

[RTR]

I understand the different reducers and hardeners....slow, medium, and fast. (I have all of them). My question is....is it ok to use the fast in 80-85-90 degree weather? I don't know why, but to me it seems that the paint lays down better and has a better finish when I use the Fast Reducer and Hardener. Maybe it's just me....

[J.Wondergem]

[RTR]

It turns out with a "wetter" look and glossier for me it seems like.

[Inno]

With a fast reducer the paint flashes off sooner which means it has less time to smooth out or flatten which would tend to make it less smooth with more orange peel. There is also more chance of the paint going on too dry with a fast reducer. More chance of runs with a slow reducer.
A friend of mine owns a collision repair center with a VERY good reputation and he says he NEVER uses a fast reducer, even though he has a climate controlled booth and cooks the paint afterward. His problem is that when he has to match the factory paint so that panels all look the same, he has to purposely do it in such a way as to match the orange peel in the factory paint, it's easy for him to make it too good. If you look at new cars on a lot you will notice that they ALL have orange peel. For a good glossy paint job, use the slowest reducer you are able.
 

[RTR]

That is very good information. Thanks so much and I will definitely try that. I too notice how bad the factory paint jobs are on cars now days. You're right as they do have orange peel. Some more than others. I've noticed that GM vehicles are the worst out of the big three To have orange peel, and the most expensive ......that I've noticed.
 

[MO8N4ME]

You also run the risk of 'solvent pop' with too quick of a thinner. The surface skims over and the solvent is still trying to get out and causes those little pimples in your topcoat.

It can also happen if air going across your paint object is moving to fast.