Antifouling - minimum temperature

[Boeingdr]

I would like to relaunch very early next year (mid Feb)
That would mean antifouling mid to late Jan when temperatues are likely to be low.
Does anybody know what is the min temp for antifoul application, are there problems with antifouling in low temps (asuming I can find a dry day or2)

 

[pvb]

Shouldn\'t be a problem...

Shouldn't be a problem - Micron Extra can be used in temperatures as low as -5C. The main drawback is that overcoating time tends to be extended. Check the instructions for whichever antifouling you decide to use.

 

[alienzdive]

humidity is more of an issue rather than temerature,

Also note, substrate temperature can often have a larger impact rather than air temperature when looking at specific temperature related drying times.

 

[MIKE_MCKIE]

The first time I a/f the boat it was late December & P*****G with rain. I used a car screen squegee to get the worst off, and then had a gas blowtorch run off the galley gas bottle in one hand & the paint roller in the other. Ambient was about 4 degrees C but the blowtorch warmed & dried the hull so the a/f took very easily. I also stood the a/f tin in a bucket of hot water & only put a small amount in the roller tray at a time to keep the a/f warm & runny! It worked an absolute treat, got right round the boat & found all the first coat dry & ready for overcoating. 26' long keel took a total of about 6 hours work single handed. Only problem was that on completion both arms dropped off & I could not stand upright for a week!

 

[nealeb]

I have been anti-fouling over the New Year break for the last 4-5 years or so - the marina lift-out deal means that the boat comes out in Dec and usually goes back in mid to end Jan. It's been a bit cold sometimes but always managed to find a dry enough day (main criterion) and the AF may be a bit thick when cold but it always goes on somehow! I am pretty sure that the instructions on the tin give recommended minimum temperatures. In any case, we are smearing poison on the outside of the hull, not building up a protective coating, so I reckon that there's a bit more latitude compared to, say, putting on an epoxy coating...

 

[nigelhudson]

We managed to pick the coldest week of the year to work on our boat this year. So we had no option but to apply the antifoul at below the recommended temperature. The result was that we didn't get the stated coverage and the finish was pimply because the antifoul didn't flow properly. All this made it hard and cold work. We didn't think of the hot water bath to get the temperature up but we'd still have been applying it to a cold hull. If you can pick a mild spell so the ambient temperature is within the recommended limits then go for it.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
and then had a gas blowtorch run off the galley gas bottle in one hand & the paint roller in the other

[/ QUOTE ] Sounds a recipe for a disaster if you are not careful. All the A/Fs I have used have been based on a flammable solvent. Be sure the left hand knows what the right hand is doing!

Regarding minimum teperatures typically International give -5C as the minimum product and ambient temperatures and a minimum of 1C above dewpoint for the substrate. As pvb says at these temperatures the drying and minimum overcoating times will be considerably extended. You should however consult the manufacturers data sheet for the product you are using.

 

[marilynch]

I read in a YM Mag that antifoul needs to be applied at room temperature, it advised to keep the paint in doors until ready for painting and if doing so in in cold temperatures to put the tin tin a bucket of warm water.
They also advised Against using thinners to improve viscosity as it may reduce effectiveness.
The article did not mention anything about warming the hull? with blow torches, (Mike)but, if i had known I would have been right there with my marsh mallows! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif