54% humidity can I paint my model

[JerseeJerry55]

Hi it's the novice again. It's 54% humidity today. Can I paint my cars body or too humid still? Thanks for looking.

Jerry

[Ace-Garageguy]

If you're shooting lacquer it MAY blush...which will polish off after it's dry.

If you're shooting enamel, it may dry a little slower.

Generally 50 or 60% humidity isn't a problem.

[JerseeJerry55]

If you're shooting lacquer it MAY blush...which will polish off after it's dry.

If you're shooting enamel, it may dry a little slower.

Generally 50 or 60% humidity isn't a problem.

Hi let me clarify. I am shooting the final coat of primer on the left B pillar to make sure the flashing went bye bye, and the engine bay in flat black enamel. The body will get its paint next week

[Ace-Garageguy]

I'm 99% sure you'll be OK.

I'd suggest you try a test of the flat black though, because if it DOES blush, you can't polish the blushing out without ruining the "flat" effect.

[JerseeJerry55]

I'm 99% sure you'll be OK.

I'd suggest you try a test of the flat black though, because if it DOES blush, you can't polish the blushing out without ruining the "flat" effect.

Just a quick question what do you mean by blush?

[Ace-Garageguy]

"Blushing" is when a whitish film forms on the surface of freshly-sprayed paint, sometimes close to edges or panel lines, or where coats are overlapped a little too heavily. It's caused by moisture in the air condensing on the surface as solvents evaporate out of paint, cooling it.

It's almost impossible to photograph well, as it just looks like a slightly white area. Lacquer is sensitive to humidity, and will blush if it's high...but the white film will usually come off of the paint after it's dry with a very gentle application of polishing compound. Some enamels will blush too.

It's usually not a problem with gloss paints, as polishing them only makes them look better. But if a flat color blushes, polishing it will make it glossier than it's supposed to be, and spoil the flat finish.

 

[Jantrix]

I have found that using a flat clear over a semi-gloss is the best way to avoid blushing. I live in Florida so humidity is the name of the game here. A semi-gloss paint hasn't blushed for me yet, and the flat clear doesn't seem to either, but knocks down the semi-gloss nicely. 

[Guest]

I always like to paint when its raining, I use a plywood box with a heat lamp to keep the inside of the box around 110...which also keeps it dry..

 

 

RObert

[JerseeJerry55]

"Blushing" is when a whitish film forms on the surface of freshly-sprayed paint, sometimes close to edges or panel lines, or where coats are overlapped a little too heavily. It's caused by moisture in the air condensing on the surface as solvents evaporate out of paint, cooling it.

It's almost impossible to photograph well, as it just looks like a slightly white area. Lacquer is sensitive to humidity, and will blush if it's high...but the white film will usually come off of the paint after it's dry with a very gentle application of polishing compound. Some enamels will blush too.

It's usually not a problem with gloss paints, as polishing them only makes them look better. But if a flat color blushes, polishing it will make it glossier than it's supposed to be, and spoil the flat finish.

 

Thanks for the explanation. I work for a company that imports Belgian Chocolates. When the chocolates have a temperature issue the surface of the chocolate blooms (gets a white film on the chocolate). I guess kind of similar in a way.

[peteski]

Relative humidity is not the only factor we need to consider when painting. There is a difference in 54% RH 65 deg. F, and 54% RH and temperature of 80 deg. F. The combination of those 2 values gives you the dew point.   I would have no issues spray-painting when it is  54% RH and 65 F but doing that at 54% RH and 80 F is a bit risky.