Catalyzed products affected by cold temps

[wrndln]

Now that it is starting to turn cold, at least on the northern parts of the country (MN especially where I live), I have a question that I have been wondering about for a while. I heat my garage when working on body panels, but turn off the heat at night or when I am not working in the garage to save some energy costs. I know, I could heat the garage all the time, but I would rather not. The question is: When using catalyzed products like Rage Gold body filler or paint that is a two part product like acrylic urethanes, does the cold affect them after they dry? I have been told not use these products below 60 degrees or the chemical bonding wont work properly. I am concerned that even after the coatings dry for an hour or two, will the colder temperature affect the chemical process and make the product encounter problems? Thanks for any insite into this question.

 

[Aerocraft]

It has been my experience that lower temperatures do in fact slow down the chemical process. For example, I store "extra" mixed PPG DP primer in the freezer and have warmed it up and used it weeks later. As a result, I leave the heat on in my shop overnight when having used fillers or sprayed catalyzed paint. Gar Williams

 

[pooch]

I add a little more hardener to filler when colder.

Make sure the panel is at least warm before you bondo and keep it warm for at least an hour.

If turning off heat and leaving, just cover it all up with an sleeping bag or such.

Never let condensation form on unprimered bondo, the general stuff is porous.

Same with spraying 2 pak, warm panel and keep heat on for 2 hours after last coat at least.

70 F is the recommended ambient temp.