Paint drying heaters

[Super Mech]

Not sure if this post should be in the heating and A/C section but here goes. I have to paint a plow blade in my shop and want to speed up the drying process. The shop is in a gas station so torpedo heaters are not allowed by the FDNY. I could use one but with my luck an inspector will show up just at the right (or wrong) time. The shop (3 Bays) is heated by oil fired hot air but at best even with doors and gates down 55-60 degress is the best I can get it. I need to warm the steel and paint so it will dry faster. I'm using rustoleum primer and a modified epoxy enamel. Any ideas?

 

[Fastback]

Can you get some heat lamp bulbs and mount them in cheap trouble lights? Also, I have an old tube style infra red electric heater that could work, I'm sure you can find those cheap on Craigs list?

 

[Super Mech]

I was thinking of the heat lamp idea, I have a couple of reflector type trouble lamps around here some where. I might possibly have a infrared heater in my shed at home also. Sometimes you have so much **** in different places that you forget you have what you need!

 

[Cheap5.0]

A guy i worked for restores old italian cars (wont say which one, just that he is among the best when it comes to making them look new). Most of the time when he got the cars in, they just needed rebuilds on the mechanicals but when he did have to do body work he would dry with a hand full of those propane sunflower heaters in a small paint room.

The finish was top notch.

 

[bczygan]

If you can limit the area the heat goes into you can get the temp up. Try closing off dampers or blocking all grills except one in a small area and paint in that area after the temp comes up and leave it like that until it cures. Also, heat rises. It will be hotter near the ceiling. Put some lumber and plywood on a lift to create a platform for a work area and lift it up. Use a ladder to get up and down.

 

[nehog]

Had the same problem when I did my plow blade a few weeks ago. A couple of electric heaters did the trick for me, got them blowing on the blade. Did take about 48 hours to get the paint good and hard, but it worked.

And the paint is wonderful, the snow slid right off the blade when I plowed today!