SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

Enter keywords or a search phrase below:

How much does temperature impact paints?

364 views
1 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
G-J
  • Member since
    July 2012
How much does temperature impact paints?
Posted by G-J on Thursday, November 22, 2012 10:03 AM

Back story:  During Sandy, we were without power for 12 days - which meant no heat.  By the end, our internal house temperature was fluctuating at around 46 degrees.  Even with the space heater, I couldn't get the whole house warm.  So, my model desk, while protected, was not warm.

Flash forward to today, and I'm trying to finish up my Jug.  I find that as I'm using the paints, some of the lighter colors don't seem to adhere well at all.  And there appears to be real tiny bubbles in the paint.  The darker colors seem to have fared better.  In particular, I'm noticing this in the yellows I'm adding to the propeller tips, green primer to the inside of the engine, and white which is going on the nose of the plane.

So, my question is, would a low temperature substantially impact paints?  Or is it something else? I'm using Vallejo Model Color...strictly hand brushed.

Thanks.

On the bench:  Tamyia Mosquito Mk. VI for the '44 group build.  Yes, still.

On deck: 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Thursday, November 22, 2012 10:57 AM

As a former professional house painter, I can tell you that yes, freezing temperatures can, and will, ruin water-based paint.   It really destroys some of the paint's properties and for all practical purposes, renders the paint unusable.  Even now, I try to store unused or left-over latex paint cans inside my house.  The oil-based, or alkyd paints aren't really affected by the cold temperatures.  Alkyd paint will develop a "skin" over the top.  This can be carefully cut around the circumference, grabbed in the middle of the skin, and then carefully lifted off.  The pant underneath is still viable and can be stirred, and thinned as usual.

Gary


"All you mugs need to get busy building, and post pics!"

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

SEARCH FORUMS
FREE NEWSLETTER
By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. View our Privacy Policy.