Cure time: Temperature dependent?

[mis3]

I did my last wax job on my car to prepare for the winter (snow/ice) yesterday. Actually, I planned to go thru the whole wash-DC1-DC2-NXT-NXT. It was kind of cold and I got lazy, I did only wash-NXT-NXT.

The outside temperature is about 12C and it went down to 2-3C overnight. My indoor garage is not heated. Is the cure time longer under this kind of temperature?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Cure time: Temperature dependent?

Originally posted by mis3
The outside temperature is about 12C and it went down to 2-3C overnight. My indoor garage is not heated. Is the cure time longer under this kind of temperature?

The drying time is probably slower, but I don't know about the curing time.

Mike

[TOGWT]

~One man’s opinion / observations~

Cross-Linking:
Is the formation of a molecular or covalent (chemical) bond that allows the polymer chains to obtain strength and durability, it is both time and temperature / humidity dependant. Sufficient time should be allowed between removing residue and applying more ‘layers.’

Polymer Acrylic – 12 to 72 hours, do not allow water on the paint surface until the polymer has fully cross-linked, these times are a guide only as they will vary by formula, ambient air temperature and humidity

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 effect 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)

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)- 60 – 80oF products will work well within a much broader temperature range, (50° to 90° F) but the best results will be achieved in the 60° to 80° F range surrounding air temp (ambient or room) must be 55oF + to ensure minimum vehicle surface temperature of 50oF.
2.Ambient Temperature (Outside air temperature)
3.Relative Humidity (Moisture content of the air)- RH 50% +/-10%
4.Inside Air Temperature (Room Temperature) 70 – 75oF +/- 10oF and 50% relative humidity +/- 10%
5.Air movement or 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.

In summary, the ideal conditions for the application of car care products; cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, a surface temperature between 60° and 80° F, 50% RH or lower humidity, and a light air movement.

~Hope this helps~

Knowledge unshared is experience wasted [each one / teach one]
justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ JonM
it is both time and temperature / humidity dependant.