These specialist coatings differ from common interpretations of cold-weather paints, which are designed to be applied to masonry, for example, in the winter months. Manufactured by Rust-Oleum, Jotun, Coo-Var, Sika, and Sherwin-Williams, amongst others, for industrial purposes, these coatings are some of the highest performing and protective coatings available at Rawlins Paints.

Curing at Low Temperatures

Some common drying and performance problems encountered when painting in colder conditions include:

• Poor colour uniformity
• Poor adhesion
• Reduced durability
• Reduced stain/chemical resistance
• The paint film cracking, poor touch-up or improper curing
• Leads to creation of powdery film
• Extended paint mixing time or the added requirement of paint additives
• Longer periods of time between coats
• Greatly reduced paint coverage.

Paints and coatings which aren't specifically manufactured and developed with low temperature application in mind can have disastrous results if used in environments which are too cold for them. Not only can the product become thicker and difficult to apply, it can impair the overall performance of the product long term. Therefore, it is advised that a purpose-made low temperature paint is used to get the full benefits from a new floor paint system.

Small drops in temperature can extend the recoat times of many paints. Winter grade, or low temperature paints, are specifically designed to improve and reduce the time between recoats. They are also designed to offer:

• Improved consistency
• Better flow properties
• Adhesion properties
• Single coat application
• Minimal surface preparation
• Easy mixing
• Chemical resistance
• Suitability for early immersion
• Outstanding durability
• Improved flexibility
• Anti-corrosive protection in high-humidity environments
• Wide colour range options
• Improved colour to areas where the temperature may differ from different areas on the same structure
• This is more noticeable on metal
• Anti-slip properties for flooring
• Abrasion resistance against vehicular activities
• Improved gloss finish
• UV radiation
• Certified for direct food contact

Suitable Use of Low Temperature Paints

A common ‘problem’ with cold storage units is the lack of ventilation. Many products we offer are solvent free for this reason, however all coating application will require a degree of personal protection and breathing apparatus and it must be used when advised to do so in a product’s data sheets. The moisture content of a substrate and the dew-point can also affect drying times and application temperament. Dew-point meters are available at Rawlins Paints to check the environmental conditions before beginning any works.

Surfaces, locations and substrates that low temperature paints are suitable for, include:

• Walls
• Floors
• Concrete
• Polymer screeds
• Asphalt
• Ceilings
• Steps
• Stairs
• Concrete beams
• Trim
• Helidecks
• Walkways
• Ramps
• Bridges
• Offshore structures
• Weigh bridge decks
• Cold rooms and stores
• Walk-in fridges and freezers
• Interior and exterior use
• Loading bays
• Porous substrates
• Repairing damaged concrete
• Metal
• Concrete
• Garages
• Indoor car-parks
• Warehouses
• Suitably prepared rusted steel
• Ceramic tiles
• Bakeries
• Dairies
• Breweries
• Supermarkets

A number of Jotun products meet the requirements of UK Highway Agency Item 115 and 116 for use on bridges and highway infrastructure. These exterior coatings can be used as a primer, mid coat or finish coat in single coat systems, and applied as in sub-zero temperatures in properly prepared carbon steel, galvanised steel, stainless steel, aluminium, concrete, and a range of aged coating surfaces.