Cold Weather and Protective Coatings: Challenges and Solutions
Applying protective coatings in cold weather presents unique challenges that can compromise the integrity and longevity of your project. Regardless if the application site is outside, inside a tank or in a spray booth; lower environment temperatures will continue to pose application and integrity challenges. Throughout this blog we’ll explore these challenges and best practices to implement to support successful coating applications, thus protecting your work.
Impact of Cold Temperatures on Coating Performance
Protective coatings are typically formulated to perform optimally above 10°C with relative humidity below 85%. Industry standards indicate for the substrate temperature to be 3°C above the dew point. Applying coatings below these conditions can lead to several issues:
1. Poor Adhesion
Low temperatures can hinder the bonding process, leading to weak adhesion and reduced (long-term) protection.
2. Incomplete Curing
Cold slows the chemical reactions necessary for curing, resulting in soft or tacky hence the coating becomes vulnerable to abrasion and moisture intrusion.
3. Extended Drying Times
Lower temperatures prolong drying and curing, thus increasing the risks of contaminate exposure and mechanical damage.
4. Surface Defects
Cold temperature applications can cause blistering, cracking, or bubbling, consequently compromising the coating’s integrity and visual appearance.
5. Solvent Entrapment & Blushing
Cool weather can prevent solvents from properly evaporating, This often leads to the loss of gloss, discolouration, or other visible inconsistencies.
6. Mixing and Application Issues
Cooler coatings become thickened, thus making them more difficult to mix and apply evenly. Some applicators may try to resolve this factor by thinning the coating but this can also further delay curing or lead to solvent retention issues.
7. Reduced Lifespan
Even if the coating appears to cure, sub-optimal conditions may still reduce coating durability; meaning more frequent maintenance or a full recoat may be required sooner than expected.
8. Higher Costs and Delays
Extended cure times and overcompensating for potential coating failures can lead to increased expenses (e.g. increased labour) and cause project delays.
9. Amine Blush
A waxy, oily residue known as amine blush can form on the surface of cured epoxy coatings in cold conditions. Amine blush can prevent proper bonding of subsequent coats.
Strategies to Mitigate Cold Weather Challenges
Lower environment temperatures don’t have to de-rail your coatings project. To ensure the success of your next coating application in cold weather, consider the following strategies:
1. Plan Around Weather Conditions
Schedule applications during the warmest part of the day or wait for milder conditions when possible.
2. Pre-condition Materials and Substrates
Warm materials and substrates to the recommended temperatures before application.
3. Use Cold-Weather Additives and Formulations
Follow manufacturer guidance for additives or formulations designed for low-temperature applications.
4. Monitor Dew Point and Humidity
Ensure these environmental conditions are within acceptable limits before beginning application. The Elcometer 319 is a useful specialised instrument to determine crucial climatic parameters for painting and coating applications.
5. Engage Experienced Professionals
Work with qualified applicators and coating inspectors who understand the complexities of coating in cooler environments.
In summary, applying protective coatings in low temperatures isn’t impossible, it just requires careful planning, appropriate materials and experienced personnel. By adhering to best practices and respecting manufacturer specifications, you can achieve durable and effective coatings, even in challenging cold weather conditions.
At Spray Blast Inspect, we can provide expert surface advice, manufacturer specifications and qualified coating inspector support. Further more, with our range of premium products and protective coatings, we can provide a tailored plan and navigate you with confidence through your next cold weather application.
Contact our SBI Coatings experts today.
written by: Darryl Burge