Freezing temperature of enamel/acrylic paint?

While I agree with Styrene regarding the freezing point of organic solvents and alcohols. I feel it necessary to point out that those particular ingredients do not make up 100% of the paint. They won't freeze but the pigments and other ingredients might.

My rule of thumb is that I don't put my paints any place I wouldn't be comfortable. An uninsulated garage in Minnisota is certainly going to be uncomfortable.

Razordws, have you wintered in the Okanagan yet? This ain't Winterpeg, you know

QUOTE: Do you guys know what the freezing temp of paint is? Glue for that matter too.

In understand in Minnesota there are only 3 months in a year: June, July, and Winter.

Not to worry about freezing paints. Organic solvents as a rule have very low freezing points. Acetone, Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and Toluene (enamel and lacquer paint-type solvents) all have freezing points in the range of about -123 to -139 degrees F. (I really don't think it gets that cold anywhere on the planet, much less Minnesota). MEK is also the primary constituent in Testor's liquid cement...

Alcohols, like Isopropyl, and many of the glycol ethers used in acrylic paint production have freezing points of around -125 degrees F.

The one thing you will have to take into consideration will be considerably longer drying times.

One way to help beat the cold is to place your paints and solvents (thinners) in a bath of warm (Make SURE it's warm, NOT hot!) water for 20 minutes or so before you're ready to paint. This method also works really well for rattle cans. But be careful: Once warmed, the paints will come out of the nozzle a little quicker and thinner than normal. Spray at increased distances to keep paint from running.

Hope this helps some.
Gip Winecoff

I'm considering doing the same thing myself... and I live in Canada!!!

I have considered keeping my paint and glue etc in a tool box that I can just take inside with me until I get to the point of putting in the beer fridge, stereo and Lazy-boy recliner. Of course, if its that cold that I have to take it inside what are the chances I'm going to want to work out there? Ideally, I want to make a little room at the end of the garage (figure I have about 5 ft to play with and still park the car) and put in some baseboard heaters... eventually!

Most likely, acrylic will freeze at a warmer temp than oil/enamel paint. I wouldn't worry about it, besides, you can always thaw it out. I would worry if you were the Smirnoff Ice commercial guys. Nice Fridge!
BRRRRRRR!

Don't forget a good quality stereo! As for the paint question, you could become a "snowbird" and live here in Arizona during the winter. Then you could model outside in the nice fresh air instead of the cold damp garage.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Bgrigg Don't know for sure, but it will be a higher temp than you're used too I wouldn't keep the paints etc. in the garage in the winter, that's for sure...

Yah, I'm guessing it's not a workable winter solution either.

Unless....I insulate and heat my garage...of course...than I might as well put in some plumbing.....some cable tv...nice chair....hmmmm...

Don't know for sure, but it will be a higher temp than you're used too

I wouldn't keep the paints etc. in the garage in the winter, that's for sure...