Practical paint tips from Standox for the cold season

Thursday, 01 December 2011 14:31

Ajax, Ontario -- December 1, 2011 -- Athletes warm up before a competition. Motorists know that engine oil becomes thicker in the winter cold. Things are not all that different with clearcoats and hardeners, which also tend to become more viscous during the cold season if not stored properly.

According to Standox, paint material should have a temperature of 20°C (68°F) to 25 °C (77°F) for spraying, as this ensures the best reaction between the clearcoat and the hardener. Standox considers it virtually impossible to achieve perfect surface results with cold paint materials because it will inevitably produce flaws.

To the same effect, Standox notes that the temperature of the vehicle body can affect paint application. If the substrate is too cold, this will have an adverse impact on the flow and the surface finish.

Intended to ensure consistent quality, the labs at Standox test everything under standardized conditions, producing their clearcoats with a "defined viscosity." Standox recognizes that body shops cannot always guarantee the same perfect conditions as they can in their labs. While Standox products are designed to be relatively adaptable, certain minimum conditions must be ensured to avoid flaws. Processing and storage temperature of 20°C (68°F) is ideal.

If the product appears to be too viscous or the can feels cold to the touch, Standox recommends checking the temperature of the material prior to mixing. If the product is to cold, warm the product (can) in a warm water bucket or let it sit at proper room temperature until it reaches optimal storage temperature. Adding thinner in order to reduce the viscosity is not the right solution. This is not only bad for the environment and your wallet, but will also cause flaws such as orange peel. Adding more coats to achieve a smooth flow will do even more harm, as excessive coats may lead to blisters and sagging.

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Practical paint tips from Standox for the cold season

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