"Temperature range for spray products?" Topic

I'm about to spray some plastics with Testors model spray. They recommend on the can a minimum outside temperature of 70 f. It's about 60 f right now in Connecticut and the air is very dry.

This seems a bit too strict to me, isn't it generally ok to spray outside in temps. of 50-80 f or certainly 60-80 f ( with low humidity of course).

I'm wondering if different manufacturers simply advise different temp. windows based on their own specific tech. info. Reminds me of the instructions for shaking a spray can. Some recommend 1 minute, others 1- 1/2, others 2 minutes, etc.

I can't imagine a day of 60 degrees with low humidity would be a bad day for spraying, but Testors thinks so!

A minimum of 70 sounds bonkers – usually much higher then that and problems with humidity start. 50+ is usually fine. As you noted the humidity is the larger problem as long as it is not freezing outside.

Give it a test try on spare metal and most likely it will be fine.

I have sprayed out in my garage in the middle of winter (I live in Northern Indiana). I keep everything in the house until the last minute and then run (well fast walk) what I am going to spray out to the garage and keep the spray can inside my coat. I spray then and take them back into the house and down the basement to dry. Never had a problem with priming figures this way. I have even done clear cote like this but try to get days where at least the sun has been out and warmed the garage a little. I have more problems with humidity than anything else. 60 degrees outside I would not even bring them in the house to dry.

I have had the same experience as Thomas O. Except my garage is attached to the house so no running to the garage.

It's humidity that has the most detrimental effect on spraying any type of aerosol product. If your going to be doing a lot of spraying outside it's a good idea to get a hygrometer. I have one hanging in my shop (part of a clock). You can tell at a glance if it's a good day to spray. The higher the number – the more humidity in the air.

I'd still test-spray despite all the very good advice here.

Got done spraying a little while ago. No problems whatsoever. Was actually officially 59 degrees when I sprayed, very cool and dry day. Finish is perfect on the model.

Incidentally it was some of GW's new ruins for 40k/Kill Team, the Sector Imperialis basic set I think it's called.

In UK I reckon on temp of 60+ and less than 50% relative humidity. If you spray in too hot weather acrylic dries as it comes out of the airbrush/can and you get a rough surface but you may like it as it has a good 'tooth' for subsequent coats.

Any less than about 60 and I think primer pools on the model. Really you want paint and model at the same temperature. Again if the air is too damp I think the primer will pool on the casting.