Ideal temperature to detail

[gohandbz8]

The weather is starting to get cold out here in Chi-town and I was wondering what's the coldest I can detail a car while still being effective? My garage is not heated.

[budman3]

As long as it's above freezing, nothing outragous will happen. Products like QDs will take longer to dry and waxes and sealants will need to cure on the paint longer ... no problems with the products.... but you, on the other hand, is what you should be worried about. I've tried washing in 40 degree weather too many times and come back inside with frozen hands :). Gloves would have been nice...

[gohandbz8]

It's nice to know that I can still do it so long as I don't get frostbite.

[supercharged]

72 degress. Perfect. It's idea temperature to detail, it's ideal temperature to live!:righton:

[budman3]

72 degress. Perfect. It's idea temperature to detail, it's ideal temperature to live!:righton:

Way to rub it in ... thanks:work:
:mad: :rolleyes:

[Deep Gloss Auto Salon]

What about polishing?

What's the min temp suggested for polishing?

[lil goat]

I would guess not below 60, as heat is part of the polishing process, and it's hard to get the paint warm when the metal is cold.

[ScottB]

I like a 70 degree day with nice sun and a breeze. Unfortunately in Florida its usually 95 degrees and humidity at a balmy "wet" factor.

[Truls]

The cold isnt always the problem as long as it above freezing, but its the damn moist that sets on the car when the temprature drops, you can wipe, wipe, wipe and wipe, but it doesnt go away, so i never apply anything when its colder than 10-15c outdoors, but indoors it can be colder (but i usualy pr-heat the garage if i know i applying something on the car..

[supercharged]

Way to rub it in ... thanks:work:
:mad: :rolleyes:
You don't like it 72?

[budman3]

I don't like it when you can detail at 72 when I have to detail when it's 27 :cheers:

[supercharged]

I don't like it when you can detail at 72 when I have to detail when it's 27 :cheers:
Ouch! Too cold for a detail. Rinseless wash, maybe...but that's it.

[TOGWT]

Surface Temperature (Actual surface temperature of the vehicle) between 50 (10oC) and 80 oF (26oC) products will work well within a much broader temperature range, i.e. 45° to 90° F (4.5-32oC) 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 (15-21oC) range surrounding air temp (ambient or room) must be 55oF (12oC) + to ensure the minimum vehicle surface temperature of 50oF (10oC) which is recommended as a minimum by most car care product manufacturers. Higher temperatures will cause the solvent oils in polishes / waxes to flash leaving no surface lubrication, which will lead to surface marring
Ambient Temperature (outside air or surrounding air temperature)(ambient or room) must be 55oF (12oC) + to ensure the minimum vehicle surface temperature of 50oF (10oC) which is recommended as a minimum by most car care product manufacturers· Relative Humidity (Moisture content of the air)- RH 50% +/-10%

Inside Air Temperature (Room Temperature) 70 – 75oF +/- 10oF (21-24oC +/- 12oC) and 50% relative humidity +/- 10%
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.
Product Temperature- 40 – 50oF (8 - 10oC) is a good product temperature working range
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.

[trlblazer3]

I usually try to get all my details that will involve machine polishing in before it drops below 50. Once it gets below that it seems that machine polishing is MUCH more difficult to remove defects. That and most sealants seems to take longer to cure, which is what I'm applying for winter protection.