How important is outside temp?

[sixstring77]

Question for the product pros. How important is outside temp when it comes to epoxy application?

I just finished up the walls, paint, and installed the heater in my garage. Wanted to do the floors next but I live in South Dakota. The temps this week are highs in the 70s. Next week in the 60s and will continue to fall I'm guessing. With my current work schedule I can't get the floor grind done for at least 2 weeks so the temps will probably be in the 50s-60s. Was probably going to do Legacy's primer, coating, and a top of whatever they suggested.

I don't suppose the garage heater would be able to assist? Not sure about flamability of the products.

If I don't do it now I really dont want to empty all my stuff out again.

Thanks for your knowledge.

Also, floor is 1300 sq/ft.

 

[shaun oriold1]

You'll be fine. The outside temp doesnt have a huge impact unless its very hot, very humid, or very cold. This time a year is a great time to coat. Not crazy how so you're dripping sweat, but not parka and glove weather either.

The slab temperature is important. And since the ground isnt freezing yet, the slab temperature wont matter much. When you pour chemicals out onto a freezing cold slab it gels right up, making you use muscles you didnt know you had.

Keep your chemicals inside to keep them warm, and they'll be easier to work with.

The garage heater will help keep some heat moving around. IT will also help cure the coating.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Do not start applying if the temp is below 60.

If you have a cold night (below 50) I would wait for the slab to warm up to close to 60.

 

[Shea]

Shaun has given you some good tips. Unless you have a severe temperature drop you should be find. You may want to read this article that gives other good tips about applying epoxy in a colder environment in general.

 

[jaye944]

Data sheets that I have advise Substrate temppreature must be 5deg above Dew point, in other words

The dew point is the temperature at which the water vapor in a sample of air at constant pressure condenses into water. At temperatures below the "dew point", water will leave the air. The condensed water is called dew when it forms on a solid surface.

In other words not too cold so that water on the slab will condense.

Warm is best; the trouble with too HOT is that everything goes off quicker leaving you less time.

I did some diggin around and at optimum air temp is around 68 to 76°F.

You have more problems when it is too COLD rather than too hot.