Can I use any all in one in 20 degrees? 30 degrees?

[RandyD]

I will be going north to my son where the temperature will probably be in the teens, but I will be working on his car in his garage which should be somewhat warmer. Is there a certain temperature where I will not be able to use an AIO or sealant or wax. I planned on using either Duragloss 101 or BFWD Total Polish and seal. If there is another product that works better in the cold I am open to suggestions. I was thinking of using ONR in "warm" water to help the paint get a little warmer prior to waxing. I will probably be applying with a D/A polisher. Any advice or suggestions?

 

[FUNX650]

If using products below their "best when
used" recommended temperature range...
You're most likely going to see your
detailing products behave differently
than they should.

Now:
If you can stand the cold, then
you can try detailing the vehicle.
But...if the temp is only going to
be in the teens/~20...you may
want to reconsider.

Your choice.



Bob

 

[LSNAutoDetailingLSNAutoDetailing is verified member.]

As Bob states, the problem is if it's a water based product, you're likely to get into the product freezing or not behaving as it's supposed to.
The sub micron particles that are "doing the work" will be frozen.... Adhere to the temp range of the given product. I suspect it's somewhere above freezing and below about 90 degrees.

If you can get your vehicle into a garage and get some space heaters, and get the temp above 65, you probably will be fine.

Also, you're not taking the LSP into consideration in your question. Sealants, waxes and coatings will also be subject to temps.

 

[BudgetPlan1]

Have found in my limited experience that anything below 50 F can be iffy. While I have used Menz & WG polishes/compounds in those temps as well as Collinite 915, that's about it. I did try WG Deep Gloss Paint Sealant in that range, didn't quite product the glorious effect that it usually does. WG folks advise not using under 60 F but others have said they have used it in mid-to upper 40's and it worked ok so who really Knows.

I did try some Polish Angel High Gloss spritz at around 45 degrees in my garage and it kinda 'turtled', leaving the finish with a mild orange peel look to it.

If I can't get a working space to around 50-55 F, I'm generally not doing anything. And coatings are completely outta the picture below a consistently maintained 55-60 temp for 24 hrs.

 

[CarolinasFinestDetailing]

Does he or you have a small electric space heater? These work wonders to knock the chill off when working in a cold garage.

 

[ScottH]

Randy I did this car today with Griot's Sealant (AIO) in 35 degrees and it was just fine. If it were below 30, I would have likely called it off as the product becomes too difficult to work with on cold paint.

ScottH

 

[UTdetailing]

Great topic.

I can see the cold affecting dry/settle times on waxes and sealants. But when it comes to application by a machine, wouldn't the frictional heat on even the finest of DA's warm the product to 50 - 60 degrees?

If I didn't work with products below 50-60 degrees I would lose 5-6 months of the year.

 

[ScottH]

Great topic.

I can see the cold affecting dry/settle times on waxes and sealants. But when it comes to application by a machine, wouldn't the frictional heat on even the finest of DA's warm the product to 50 - 60 degrees?

If I didn't work with products below 50-60 degrees I would lose 5-6 months of the year.

I find the biggest problems with the cold are: (1) working time diminishes and (2) product removal is sometimes more difficult. But as you said, in certain parts of the country/world, our detailing must go on despite the cold. My rule of thumb is I will work when it's 30 degrees or warmer, not because I can't work in colder weather but more from the perspective of proper use of the product, and getting the expected results. In a garage with a heater, that is usually easy to accomplish on most winter days.

ScottH

 

[DaveT435]

Rent or buy a kerosene heater. The right size will get it up to about 65-70. I would burn Kleen fuel less odor. It should get warm enough that you can open the door a little for ventilation if you want.