Painting in Winter?

[Crash Enburn]

What do you guys do when you need to paint your cars, but it is really cold out? We just had a cold snap where we didn't break freezing for a couple weeks, and my garage was not much warmer.

Last year, I would store the car and paint cans inside, then take them out to the garage and put a quick coat on, and then bring the car and paint right back inside. But it wasn't as cold then, either.

Is there a better method?

TIA,

- Eric

 

[Chief]

Ya it got cold here too, and normally I dont paint at home but I did just a few weeks ago with my street rod. For the color only I used all rattle cans. I used a large cardboard box and an electric heater. looked pretty good too.

 

[Guest]

What do you guys do when you need to paint your cars, but it is really cold out? We just had a cold snap where we didn't break freezing for a couple weeks, and my garage was not much warmer.

Last year, I would store the car and paint cans inside, then take them out to the garage and put a quick coat on, and then bring the car and paint right back inside. But it wasn't as cold then, either.

Is there a better method?

TIA,

- Eric

I think my best paint jobs happen in the winter. Humidity is lower usually. I take my can of spray paint and keep it near the heater in the basement. I take the car and the paint out in the garage........maybe 30 degrees, give it a quick coat, bring it back in the basement and let it dry. When I say quick, I mean it's out in the garage for no more than a minute tops. I have had no adverse affects from painting this way. Been doing it for 3 years like this. I can tell you one thing you won't have. You won't have some d*mn fly landing on your nice slick paint job like you will in the summertime in the back yard! Man I hate when that happens!!!!!

 

[Papa V Racing]

Depending on the paint I use.. When I use Walmart rattle cans I have placed can in warm water in the laundry room which is attached to my garage... We get into the high 20's & 30's. I try not to use Testors/Model Masters like that ...I have had some issues as it shoots thick and runny even in warm water... I shoot small projects with them in basement when my wife is not around.... I find that once the warm paint is released I have a bit more time not much to get a light coat applied to project and back into the laundry room, as it tends to shoot heavier as it gets cold... as (Warm Air allows paint to shoot thinner) as the drying process starts as soon as it is shot allowing you to apply a heavier coat...

Which ever paint I use I stay with that brand primer .. I have not tried to use Walmart primer and Testor paint or vise versa... So I can't say anything there...

My profile pic is my first derby car painted with old paint Walmart brand in winter with the warm water .. Now I know more about cars then I did then my next car will be very smooth...

My Last Rocket I shot (Testors Paint) the last coat of paint on it.. I let it sit for 20 minutes and hit it with clear and the finish I got was pretty awesome.. I did sand it 2 more times with fine sand paper and 2 more clear coats and it was mirror... So I try practice block to see how things go still working with WalMart Paint testing out different things as that paint so far shoots best as written in instructions 4 hours in between

I am no expert painter but my projects have came out cool.... Both Rockets and Derby Cars...

Hope it helps .. V

 

[SoGone]

Warm can of paint.. thin coats.. bring inside to dry in the warmth.. Too thick the stuff never dries.

 

[Eliminator Racing]

Great tip about the warm water. I will be trying it here in Michigan.