SEM Paint

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Nov 13, 2014 | 12:02 PM

AARRA

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Dec 2013

Posts: 307

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From: Marlboro New Jersey

SEM Paint

I bought a can of SEM Trim Paint. How important is the ambient temperature. Can I use it now in NJ when the temp. outdoors is approx. 45-50F or do I have to wait for spring? Thanks for any advice.

Nov 13, 2014 | 12:34 PM

Strokemyaxe

Burning Brakes

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From: Arlington TX

Nov 13, 2014 | 01:06 PM

Alan 71

Team Owner

Joined: Sep 2006

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From: Westminster Maryland

Hi A,
I always have problems trying to paint when the ambient temperature is under about 55-60 degrees.
It's especially a problem if the part I'm painting is cold too.
Right now in Maryland I have have to keep the paint and the part inside where the heat is on and then take the part outside and spray it and then immediately bring it back inside where it's warm.
2 things that seem to happen when the temperature is low is that fish-eyes are more possible, and sometimes the paint never thoroughly dries.
I sit the can of paint on top of our boiler, (we have hot water heat), which warms the can and paint a little higher than room temperature which seems to help.
So?
Regards,
Alan

Nov 13, 2014 | 01:10 PM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan 71

...I always have problems trying to paint when the ambient temperature is under about 55-60 degrees...

My advice is to follow the recommendations on the SEM. Hold up on things if the temps are too cool.

Nov 13, 2014 | 01:54 PM

AARRA

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Dec 2013

Posts: 307

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From: Marlboro New Jersey

Thanks all. I will wait. I can keep the paint warm and the garage is warm, but I can't spray with the garage doors closed. Maybe we will get a heat wave in December.

Or I can relocate to Hawaii.

Nov 14, 2014 | 03:12 PM

Mashman

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2008

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From: Austin Tx

Another thing about the SEM dye (you said trim paint, did you actually mean dye?), is you need to watch the humidity. I've tried to spray is when it was too humid, and is comes out very dull.

Nov 14, 2014 | 03:32 PM

AARRA

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Dec 2013

Posts: 307

Likes: 15

From: Marlboro New Jersey

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mashman

Another thing about the SEM dye (you said trim paint, did you actually mean dye?), is you need to watch the humidity. I've tried to spray is when it was too humid, and is comes out very dull.

Thank you, I will keep that in mind, but I was actually referring to metal trim paint.

Nov 14, 2014 | 09:21 PM

Mod75

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From: Danville Illinois

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Retired Aerosol can maker here.

A warn can of paint sprayed onto a cold object probably will cause "flash" over, if spraying black you will notice a white foggy appearance.

Temperature changes are bad for lots of reasons, fish eyes caused by tiny water vapor droplets formed by the difference in the paint/items to be painted.

Best overall product placement would be to go with paint and item at the same temps and let the object semi dry before returning it to a warm environment to reduce the chance of fish eyes and and getting an uneven color pattern.

As usual don't try anything crazy with an Aerosol container considering that it has 80/120 psi in a fresh container. Destructive testing of containers at work was always thrilling to say the least.