Borderline Painting Temperature...

[Dennis Drenner]

Hi gang,

I would appreciate any thoughts on painting my interior on a day in the 40s when the minimum application temperature is in the 50s.

I am using Petit EZCabinCoat which is water based, and between my space heater and dark hull on a sunny day, the cabin will be well above 50 for a few hours while the paint is being applied.

My concern is whether dipping into the low 40s/high 30s at night before the paint completely cures is something I need to worry about. The next day will be warm again according to the forecast (I'm in Baltimore and we have some freakishly warm weather coming next week).

Thanks in advance for your thoughts,
Dennis

[barnakiel]

Lower temps hardly ever kill a painting project BUT moisture present can. As long as you can avoid condensation, most paint systems are likely to cure also in lower temps (how low is OK you will have to read spec sheet of the paint system).

At times moisture sets when the pain is half-set - you will end up with a very picturesque pearl finish ... ;-) So if you insist on gloss finish, you want zero condensation throughout the process.

b.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Dennis.

[witzgall]

Why risk it, when good weather is just around the corner?

Chris

[Dennis Drenner]

Appreciate the feedback guys!

I guess I would risk it (actually, just painted today!), because when you only have a day or two per week when you can work on your boat, and you miss a day here and there because of temperature issues, multiplied by a few different projects... and next thing you know you're not splashing until September!

[Lepke]

A UV heat lamp pointed to the area you want to paint helps. Not as much as running a heater. Before hand will get moisture out of the surface. Some people leave one on all winter. Water based paints are less trouble drying than oil. Water base paints also draw mold and mildew better. You might think of mixing in a biocide. Keeps stuff from growing.