Any issues with cool weather detailing?

[William_F]

This weekend is supposed to be nice here in Dallas (mid to high 40s, almost no chance of rain) so I am itching to bust out my new toys and really give the car a very through detail.

Here is my plan for the job and I wanted to pick people's brains and see if these temps will present any issues with what I've got in mind.

Exterior
1. ONR Wash
2. Clay
3. 205 applied via DA
4. Coat of M07
5. Coat of M26

On the interior, I want to do the hot water/APC carpet & upholstery shampoo, but am worried the low temps may make drying the upholstery impossilbe.

The only other thing I'm worried about is my order not getting here by the weekend, in which case, I'll have to wait

[RGP]

Re: Any issues with cool weather detailing?

I've bumped this up because I'd also like to know if temperature affects the use of M205.

[tcope1]

Re: Any issues with cool weather detailing?

I've bumped this up because I'd also like to know if temperature affects the use of M205.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...t=cold+weather

[William_F]

Re: Any issues with cool weather detailing?

My biggest concern is cooler weather and upholstery drying.

[Murr1525]

Re: Any issues with cool weather detailing?

The upholstery will be harder, esp if windows cant be left open.

Cooler temps will make the #205 gummier, harder to work with. No reason you cant do a test spot, but 40's is pushing it for paint correction. May be able to wax, etc, but harder to work a paint cleaner in.

[Megafast13]

Re: Any issues with cool weather detailing?

Cool weather haha!

I have been washing cars in 20 degree weather.
I have a hot water line in my garage so I wash the cars on my driveway.
I dry them then pull them into my heated garage.
I have to work as fast as I possibly can though.
Obviously garages have little insulation, but there is no problem detailing.
M205 is affected by the surface temperature from what I see.
I doesn't affect anything but the time it takes to break down/work in and the consistency of the product.

IMO, Detailing is a Seasonal job. I kind of break those rules, but it's not as fun when you are bundled up with a coat and have professional grade rubber gloves on, and the ground around you freezes. I will have to take some pictures next time.

[William_F]

Re: Any issues with cool weather detailing?

The upholstery will be harder, esp if windows cant be left open.

Cooler temps will make the #205 gummier, harder to work with. No reason you cant do a test spot, but 40's is pushing it for paint correction. May be able to wax, etc, but harder to work a paint cleaner in.

Windows should be ok as we aren't expecting any rain for several days and worst case, I can leave the sun roof open in the vent position.


Hopefully when this is all said and done, I'll be posting some pics of a nicely done detail rather than making an "uh oh, now what" sort of post

[Murr1525]

Re: Any issues with cool weather detailing?

Nothing bad will happen... if you cant work the product in, just wipe it off and wax.

Work in the sun to help you.

[TOGWT]

Re: Any issues with cool weather detailing?

Temperature conditions

These are the temperatures and conditions that are relative to the application of car care products; the most important is the actual surface temperature of the vehicle. The other things that will have a direct bearing on this is the humidity as this will affect the cross-linking (cure) time, excess humidity will also affect ‘how’ a wax or sealant dries (i.e. it may cause hazing or clouding of the surface) and will also prolong fabric / carpet drying times

The other climate related condition that should be avoided when applying car care products is direct sunlight, as this will dramatically increase the surface temperature compared to ambient temperatures causing the product to dry prematurely and may render it ineffective.

1. Surface Temperature (actual surface temperature of the vehicle) between 50 (10.oC) and 80.oF (26.oC) products will work well within a much broader temperature range, i.e. 45.° to 90.° F (4.5-32.oC) but at 45 degrees it will take much longer to dry, perhaps as much as two to three hours) but the best results will be achieved in the 60° to 70° F (15-21.oC) range.
With a surrounding air temp (ambient or room) must be 55.oF (12.oC) + to ensure the minimum vehicle surface temperature of 50.oF (10.oC) which is recommended as a minimum by most car care product manufacturers
2. Ambient Temperature (outside air or surrounding air temperature) (ambient or room) must be 55oF (12.oC) + to ensure the minimum vehicle surface temperature of 50. °F (10.oC) which is recommended as a minimum by most car care product manufacturers
3. Relative Humidity (Moisture content of the air) - RH 50% +/-10%
4. Inside Air Temperature (Room Temperature) 70 – 75.°F +/- 10. ° F (21-24.oC +/- 12.oC) and 50% relative humidity +/- 10%
5. Air movement - windy conditions will increase the evaporation rate but potentially make some products more difficult work with, especially sprayed products. Perversely this can lessen wax / sealant drying time.
6. Swipe Test - after sufficient drying times do a quick swipe test with your finger, if no smearing or drag is evident; the residue is ready to be removed.
7. Cold ambient temperatures (40.°F >) - water- based products (polish, wax, fabric cleaners, etc) will be negatively affected at lower temps i.e. some polishes use wax as a lubricant, which will solidify during lower temp conditions

[TOGWT]

Re: Any issues with cool weather detailing?

7. Cold ambient temperatures (40.°F >) - water- based products (polish, wax, fabric cleaners, etc) will be negatively affected at lower temps i.e. some polishes use wax as a lubricant, which will solidify during lower temp conditions, causing the polish to 'clump' and become unworkable

[TOGWT]

Re: Any issues with cool weather detailing?

7. Cold ambient temperatures (40.°F >) - water- based products (polish, wax, fabric cleaners, etc) will be negatively affected at lower temps i.e. some polishes use wax as a lubricant, which will solidify during lower temp conditions, causing the polish to 'clump' and become unworkable

[William_F]

Re: Any issues with cool weather detailing?

After seeing it was dreary and cold today, I rechecked the weekend forecast and it looks like it's supposed to be much colder than it showed earlier in the week.

I've got lots of new toys to play with and I want to play with them very badly, but not at the risk of making a big mess. Not sure I'll be going out to play this weekend after all

[john m.]

Re: Any issues with cool weather detailing?

I did my floor matts on monday afternoon wanted to do the carpet underneath but its pretty clean so i just did the matts. What i did was one at a time and then laid it in the sun, they were dry enough to put back in (pretty dang dry really) after i finished them and did the rest of the interior but i left them infront of a heater in the house the rest of the night just to be sure.

I was also hoping for some good weather, but tomorrow is going to be freazing and I havent had a chance (well i have but its cold ) to wash her in way longer than id like to admit hahaha! Hopefully we can get some good weather or it will warm up for a day for us!

[William_F]

Re: Any issues with cool weather detailing?

Hopefully we can get some good weather or it will warm up for a day for us!

I sure hope so. If not, I won't have an excuse to put off cleaning all of our lizards' terrariums this weekend

[Underdawg736]

Re: Any issues with cool weather detailing?

Is it May yet??

My cars havn't been touched in the past 2 months and it's showing....BADLY.

I'm cold blooded so once it drops below at least 40 degrees, I cease to do any type of outdoor activity for long periods of time, unless it's to shovel.