The paint we were waiting for arrived. At least the primer paint. Reading the instructions on the can, I had a terrible shock. It says that the temperature must not drop below 50 F for 24 hours after application. I had thought that it only needed to be warm for 1-2 hours during and after application. We won't see nighttime low temperatures above 50 in New Bern until the middle of April (see below). Meanwhile, my decks are stripped and we can't leave them like that until spring.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max °F | 54.4 | 57.4 | 64.3 | 72.4 | 79.0 | 84.9 | 88.3 | 87.0 | 82.8 | 74.4 | 66.0 | 57.7 | 72.4 |
| Mean °F | 44.2 | 46.5 | 53.2 | 61.1 | 68.9 | 75.7 | 79.7 | 78.6 | 74.0 | 63.8 | 54.9 | 47.0 | 62.3 |
| Min °F | 33.9 | 35.5 | 42.1 | 49.7 | 58.7 | 66.5 | 71.1 | 70.1 | 65.1 | 53.1 | 43.7 | 36.3 | 52.2 |
- The panicky response would be to cast off the lines and head for Florida ASAP.
- Libby suggested building tents on deck with plastic and canvas and using a space heater in there overnight. Then move the tent and do the next patch. Would that work?
- I got some good advice to call Alan at Sailcraft in Oriental for advice. He confirmed that if the temperature gets cold while that primer paint dries, it will ruin the job. At Sailcraft, they move boats into their heated shed in winter for paint projects. We could do that, but it would probably cost big bucks.
Alan also said that at the least, I should return the Petit one part primer paint, and switch to Awlgrip two part epoxy. The epoxy is more temperature friendly. It stops curing at night, but it will resume when it warms the next day. Awlgrip also sells "Cold Cure" additive to make things easier.
Right now my head is spinning. When I'm pissed, my decision making skills degrade. But I would still like to ask for more advice from blog readers. My readers know lots.Alan also said that they try to put three coats of the two part epoxy down on the same day because it goes on really thin. That would be quite a day. I'd need Dave's help.
Anyhow, it was a dumb mistake. Since I don't have experience with these materials, I should have chased down the manufacturer's spec sheet before ordering. The info in the online shopping sites is not nearly enough. The paint can has not been opened, so it can be returned
 A section of deck all stripped. |
| A section of the deck stripped. |
take libby's advise,get it rapped,provide vent and rent a shop heater (propane)for the late evening /nite
ReplyDeletetwo thoughts,
ReplyDelete1st, tenting, especially in small sections at a time seems doable. I'll bring you some PVC pipe and fittings and we can dry fit little frames. I think if we do it in quarters an electric space heater will do it.
2nd, the most experienced voice may be the most valuable. If Alan says to switch to brand X considering your predicament than that should be that.
I can be there Friday night and work through Sunday. Maybe Alan knows where to find this paint instock. Seems like a real paint store in a boating town would have it.
switch to KIwi Grip.easy as pie.
ReplyDeleteOr switch to Durabek truck bed paint. Great non-skid.
ReplyDelete