How warm does it have to be to spray paint? [Best Guide]
Got a painting project ahead and didn’t know which paint to go with? Go with spray paint! It’s easy and fun for beginners. That being said, you still need some prepping to do when choosing spray paint because it doesn’t thrive in all kinds of weather.
Let’s find out how warm does it have to be to spray paint in this concise article! For a few minutes of reading, you could take away a lifetime of knowledge here!
Why You Can’t Spray Paint in Too Hot or Too Cold Temperatures
Like every liquid, even spray paints will thicken or thin, given the temperature. The environmental temperature has to be controlled to keep the spray paint temperature around the optimum temperature for the best spray quality. One can not spray paint since the paint sticking to the surface is the result we want, but temperature can mess it up and make us repent afterward by removing the stains.
Even if you paint the surface when the spray paint temperature is abnormal, the result will look horrible, but how, if you ask? The answer is if the temperature is too hot, the paint might bulge out and look like a colored sphere stuck to the body. If too cold, the stains will dry out too fast, and layers of color will form on the surface, which is undesirable.
When the temperature is too high, it has the opposite effect of spray painting in cold weather. The paint thins and flows very easily. You will end up applying more paint than needed, consequently making a mess. Also, once the heat reaches a certain level, the paint will start to dry before it comes to the surface of the object you are painting, resulting in an uneven look with a peeling texture.
When too cold, other liquids such as syrup, honey, oil, and peanut butter will become thicker. The paint will not come out of the nozzle quickly. When it is left to stand, the paint will become solid. ~It can take up days to dry the paint. Spray paint is the same. The paint may become congealed and thicker in cold temperatures, taking more time to paint. So how cold is too cold for spray paint? Get to know in the next section!
Best Spray Paint Temperature
The best spray painting temperature is from 50°F to 90°F, while the humidity is best limited to a maximum 85%. Unless you want an accident to occur, you better keep the temperatures within this range.
How do you know how warm does it have to be to spray paint at any given temperature? Well, if the paint dries up too fast or sprays all across the surface and does not stick, one will surely get into trouble while spraying. That is precisely the reason why one needs to check the temperature.
What You Need To Know Before You Start Spray Painting
- Know Your Paint Product
We need a specific sort of paint for our area. If the place where you will be working on your project is susceptible to cold, then you need paint that can stay warmer for longer.
50 degrees Fahrenheit is the standard temperature for house paints, but if you live in an area with temperatures falling below the standard, you may want to look into more forgiving paint products.
Regal Guides has a wide array of spray painting products with different temperature levels. Find out your best-suited paint product now!
- Know Your Surface Temperature
How warm does it have to be to spray paint? You should read the labels to know the working temperatures of the paint you are using. Usually, the standard temperature for spray painting is 18⁰C and 25⁰C. This is also the best temp to spray paint metal. It is possible to spray paint when temperatures are slightly below or above average.
It is easier to spray paint in temperatures colder than 50 degrees Fahrenheit than the temperature if it is over 90 degrees. The process becomes significantly harder since paint may burst from the can. If the temperature is around 100 degrees, you should not be outside, let alone spray painting, and the paint on the surface might peel off.
- Know How to Warm Your Work Surface
First, sand down the surface to ensure a smooth texture and better paint quality.
Second, apply a primer to help with adhesion. The spraying primer in cold weather will help the paint bond to the surface.
Paint and primer combine well sometimes, but it all comes down to your painting assignment. Painting and priming are done for different purposes and have other functions, so they often work best alone.
- Know Where to Keep Your Spray Paint in
Don’t store spray cans in direct sunlight, near ignition sources, or above 120 degrees F, as extreme heat can also rupture the can. Spray paint cans should be stored in a climate between 60 to 80 degrees F and in a locked cabinet to keep them safe and away from children.
Essential Spray Painting Tips
Start with a clean, dry surface. Remove rust and sand or scrape glossy or hard surfaces to improve adhesion. Priming the surface you’re going to paint is key.
Cover your surroundings to avoid painting over somewhere else.
Do shake the can. There are solids and liquids inside the can.
Three coats of thin passes are always better than a single thick coat. The paint will go on smoother, and the result will be more professional. Wait at least 20 minutes between coats, though dry time may range between one and four hours.
Verdict
Spray painting doesn’t need a lot of strategies. That’s what makes it so easy for beginners. However, if you are not keeping it at the ideal temperature, you could be inviting a lot of trouble for yourself. From a wasted can to a ruined surface, there are endless mishaps. So get to know how warm does it have to be to spray paint safely around your surfaces.
This article should have told you all you needed to know. But you also need the right spray paint that suits your surface. Never compromise on quality, and order your paints from Regal Guides for a durable and beautiful finish from your paint. Happy painting to you!
