COLD WEATHER LIMITATIONS FOR WATER-BASED LATEX COATINGS
Water-Based Latex coating systems depend upon the evaporation of water to develop a dried and cured coating film. There are several factors that have a significant impact on the ability of the coating to cure properly.

The major factors are:

• Air Temperature - The temperature must be efficient to evaporate the water.

• Surface Temperature - A cold surface (Below 50 degrees F) will hinder the rate of water evaporation.

• Relative Humidity - Higher humidity will slow the rate of drying.

• Sunlight/Shade - The sun can warm the surface to the proper temperatures. Absence of sun can affect the surface temperature by more than 10 degrees F.

• Air Movement - Air movement is needed to change the relative humidity at the surface/atmosphere contact point.

• Coating/Film Thickness - Thicker coatings will significantly dry longer.

• Surface Color - Darker surfaces dry more quickly.

Most coatings manufacturers will have surface temperature range of 50-60 degrees F and rising for a coating application. It is recommended that any application of water-based coatings should take place only when air and surface temperature and other conditions must be conducive to the complete drying of the coatings within the same day of application.

This would indicate that if rain is imminent or the air and surface temperature fall below the required temperature allowances before the coatings have an opportunity to fully dry within the same day, then the application should not be attempted.

It is well accepted that at the minimum application temperature, the drying time of a water-based coating is greatly extended. This means that the proper film formation of the coating can be affected by falling air and surface temperature and the dew (high relative humidity) that often occurs in these weather conditions.

No matter how much we may wish to change the weather conditions or the physical properties of the coatings, the reality is that certain weather and site conditions are needed to make the system dry, cure and develop the physical properties required for long term performance.

Differences in site, weather and soil conditions require variations in construction and repair methods and materials. Readers are advised to consult a qualified contractor or design professional before undertaking construction or repair of a court. Rev. 2023