- Necessary
- Analytics
- Targeting
Show details
Blog
3 Tips for Clearcoat Curing in Cold Weather
Cold weather can have a major effect on how urethane clearcoats cure. As temperatures drop, the curing reaction slows significantly.
Once conditions fall below 15°C, the process can slow to a crawl or even stop. Although the surface may appear dry, the final finish can suffer from reduced durability, gloss, and long-term repairability. To achieve reliable results, it’s crucial to control temperature throughout the entire painting process.
Keep these 3 essential tips in mind when working in colder conditions:
- Pre-warm your paint products
If your coatings are stored in an unheated area, bring them into a warm space well before use. Make sure all materials are warmed to above 15°C before mixing and application. - Maintain a warm spray environment
Ensure your spray booth’s ambient temperature is consistently above 15°C. Stable air temperature during application and early curing is key to proper film formation. - Allow the vehicle to reach temperature
Vehicles that have been parked outside or in a cold workshop will retain cold in the metal panels. Give the car enough time in the booth so the panel temperature rises above 15°C before spraying.
Keep this in mind also when applying other 2K car refinish products.