Coating in the cold

By California Sports Surfaces.

Temperature is a key factor for the proper installation of a water-based acrylic coating system.  

As we approach the darkest and coldest part of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, many of us are ready and waiting for the milder, spring days to come. But, while we may start to see the sun more often in the spring, the temperatures outside can take a little longer than we’d like to rise. This doesn’t just affect when you can get a garden started or shed that winter coat, this is also a crucial factor to industries like surface installation. Our experts at California Sports Surfaces have collected a few reminders about installing acrylic coatings in a variety of temperatures and conditions to help you plan your springtime activities appropriately!

Rule of thumb

Water-based latex coatings systems depend upon the evaporation of water to develop a dried and cured coating film. The ideal circumstances for drying to occur successfully is when the surface temperature is a minimum of 50°F/10°C and rising, with minimal humidity. There are several factors that have a significant impact on the ability of the coating to cure properly. They include:

• Air temperature: Temperature must be sufficient to evaporate the water.

• Surface temperature (low): A cold surface (below 50°F/10°C) will hinder the rate of water evaporation, which will likely affect adhesion.

• Surface temperature (high): Don’t apply material if surface temperature is above 140°F/60°C.

• Relative humidity: Higher humidity slows the rate of drying.

• Sunlight/shade: The presence of direct sunlight can affect surface temperatures drastically and shady areas of a court may take significantly longer to cure.

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

• Coating/film thickness: Thicker coatings, such as cushioned acrylic coats, take significantly longer to dry.

• Surface color: Darker surfaces dry more quickly.

The specification for California Sport Surfaces latex products states that the surface temperature shall be a minimum of 50°F/10°C and rising for application. California Sports Surfaces ammonia-based cold weather products are coatings that dry more quickly in colder installations and can be applied down to near freezing temperatures.  

The application of our coatings system should take place only when the air and surface temperature are appropriate and other conditions are conducive to complete drying of the coating within the same day of application. This would indicate that if rain is imminent or the air and surface temperature falls below 50°F/10°C (for water-based products) or 35°F/2°C (for ammonia-based products) before the coating has an opportunity to fully dry within the same day, then application should not be attempted.

Application of surface products, especially in the fall, can be risky because the weather patterns are changing. The major change is a decline in average temperature and shorter days. The opportunities for proper curing diminish and the window continues to close as we approach winter.

No matter how much we wish to control the weather, the reality is that installers are at its mercy. Make sure to be conscientious about checking forecasts and planning your installations accordingly. Remember, the goal is to have a coat completely dry before quitting for the day and even the slightest shift in the weather can affect it. Our technical department can provide additional information upon request.

California Sports Surfaces cold weather coatings

Looking to get a head start on your Spring projects, but cannot wait until the temperatures are high enough for standard products? California Sports Surfaces Cold Weather Coatings are the world’s first low-temperature acrylic sports surface coating. They can be applied as low as 35°F/2°C to help extend your surfacing season. Now that’s what we call “All-Weather” courts!

These products are intended for exterior use over new or existing concrete or asphalt surfaces where air and surface temperatures do not meet minimum temperature requirements of the standard specifications or where drying and curing times are otherwise retarded. One application of Cold Weather Colors has proven to give excellent performance results. An additional coat may be placed for additional longevity.

Original article source: California Sports Surfaces