Paint can warmer

[hamsey]

Is it okay to use a can warmer to keep paint viscosity so I can spray? I've read about the warm water but that will get cold eventually. Not seeing much about this from the Google. There are only a couple of options available. One that heats to 105*F the other 122*F. Not sure if it will change the color of the paint if it gets too warm. Still trying to figure out what paint. Renner or Target coatings. Worried about it freezing during shipping so I need to figure that out too.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ChuckM]

I use a crockpot (low heat setting) from Amazon (under $30 Cdn or so) to keep my oil finish and Old Brown Glue warm. Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006A2ZR...&s=kitchen&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw

If the water is too hot for your paint, use a timer-switch to turn off the crockpot at the desired time.

 

[woodferret]

I just keep what I need in PPS cups and dunk them in a warm water bucket.  There's enough thermal mass in there that it's not really an issue.

 

[hamsey]

That crock pot idea is brilliant! I like it. BTW this is for a Q5 HVLP setup. Would you keep the pressure pot in the crock pot if you are using one? I would think so. Anyone ever try?

 

[ChuckM]

I have had no experience with the HVLP.

I saw the use of the crock pot as a warmer in a furniture restoration video.

 

[peter halle]

If you really want to dial in your temperature to the recommendations on the can, you could use a sous vide water circulator and a container of water - perhaps a small cooler.

Peter

 

[Steve1]

Interesting and informative thread.
I never considered using temperature as a means of effecting viscosity.

I typically spray water based poly, and I found this:
Also, keep in mind that temperature affects water-based finishes more than it does solvent finishes. For every 10-degree drop in temperature the viscosity increases by 10 percent. You might find that the best solution for your problems is just to raise the temperature in your spray area.

But even as a true amateur, I don't have significant issues spraying it.  I normally spray GF High performance without thinning it. However, it could be nice to help it level out better.  But I gotta think that once the droplets hit the wood substrate, they pretty much instantly equalise to the temperature of the wood. 

 

[woodferret]

You're going to need a retarder if you're having levelling problems.  GF calls theirs the "General Finishes Extender" red bottle.

 

[hamsey]

I am in an unconditioned basement. We replaced the water heater last year with a heat pump model. Basement is much cooler now that the furnace does not run much. Didn't do much in the basement last year but doing some cabinets this year and noticing it. Planning on using something to heat the space just not sure what yet. Currently 50 down there. Much to cold to do any spraying. At least want to get it to 60. I have sprayed (Graco handheld ultra) in that temp in the past with no problems but with different coatings (PPG Breakthrough!). Funny I'm not seeing a temp range on most TDS's that I'm reading. I do know that the coating will need to be warmer using the HVLP.