A few freezing snaps this winter already and its not over yet! It is really important that you store paint correctly to protect your paint stock from extreme temperatures, set by the manufacturers. You will find the information on data sheets, NOT in the safety information.
Cold paint is thick paint!
Storing paint during winter/cold weather is essential. All paint has a recommended spraying temperature. And for an important reason.
When paint is cold, it becomes thicker, which could lead to your sprayer struggling to draw up the paint into the pump. This could result in your sprayer constantly running dry and possible burn out or melt your packings. It's like trying to suck cold honey through a straw. It's not going to happen and you're going to exert yourself. Heat the honey up and it will be sooooo much easier.
How cold paint effects your spray equipment
Filter clogging
If paint is too thick to pass through your filter, it could split or crack. Because these are high pressure sprayers, if it can't filter through the filter correctly, it’ll find another way through by force. Damaging the filter.
Pump damage
Your pump is one of the most susceptible parts of your machine, if your paint is cold. If left unprotected, the pump can freeze, leading to severe damage. Here’s how to safeguard it:
Clear the system - Make sure you don’t have any paint residue or water in the system.
Use Pump Armor - This specialist fluid is designed to prevent freezing. It coats the internal parts of the pump, providing a barrier against ice. Before storing your equipment, make sure to run Pump Armor through the system. This simple step can save you from costly repairs.
Snap Piston Rod - When the pump freezes, the pressure buildup can cause the piston rod to snap, resulting in a complete loss of functionality.
Need for Repacking - A damaged pump may require extensive repairs, including repacking. The costs for this can range from *£70 for a packing repair kit for a smaller machine. Metal components may start from around *£140. *The extent of the damage and labour costs for fitting and testing must also be taken into account.
Damage to Drive Housing - If the pump freezes and damages the internal components, it can also lead to issues with the drive housing, compounding the repair costs and time needed to get your equipment back in working order.
Solutions:
1. Store your paint correctly - The main solution is to prevent any situation in the first place by storing your equipment correctly
2. Change your tip size - You could use a larger tip size to spray your cold & thick paint. So, if you were spraying emulsion with a 17 thou tip, you may need to increase the tip size to a 19 thou, going up 1 size. If you require different tip sizes on site, order on the website in the evening or early morning and we will get it out to you on a same day or next day order. Storing your paint correctly will avoid you needing a bigger tip size.
3. Use paint heater jackets - If your paint has become thicker because of low temperature storage you can heat it up easily by purchasing a heater jacket. Simply put the jacket around your paint tin and turn it on to the desired temperature to warm your material.
How spraying cold materials can affect the quality of your work
Cure times - Cold paint will take longer to cure, particularly if it is oil based. Longer drying times can also lead to paint dripping or an uneven finish. Spray thinner coats and make sure each coat is completely dry.
Adhesion – cold paint may struggle to stick to the surface you are spraying onto, which can cause peeling and chipping.
Moisture – surfaces may be damp, due to condensation so make sure they are completely dry before you begin.
Conclusion
Preparing your paint stock for extreme temperatures is essential for reducing waste and protecting your spray equipment.
For information on service and maintenance, get in touch with the Spray Plant UK team.