Hello All

I know epoxies will cure faster when warm and slower when cold. But for those of us in the chilly north that work in our garage, is there any reasonably low temperature where the epoxy will not cure, or take essentially forever to do so? I am primarily concerned with the slower curing types like rod finish, which don't seem to get noticeably warm while curing. I am concerned primarily in the 50-60 degree F range. I don't think my garage ever freezes, but it does get chilly. I keep my epoxies and other solutions inside the house so they don't crystallize.

Thanks
-Dan

I have spoken with many rod builders in similar situations to yours. What I have learned from them is that when you start to get down into the 40F range your finish will take what seems like forever to set up! Go much lower and you reach a point where it seems it will never set. Of course, as soon as you move the rod into an area that is considerably warmer the finish will set up in short order.

You will also find that most of the rod wrapping epoxies we are dealing with become very thick, stiff and hard to manage at colder temperatures.

So how is the 50F to 60F range? It may take about twice as long as normal to tack up and maybe a few extra days to cure. As I continue to say, if you are comfortable, your finish will be too. I'd try to keep things as close as I could to that 60F figure and you should fare a bit better.

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I worked out of my garage last winter and even here in Texas the temp dropped low enough that I needed a space heater to work out there. Fearing my Flex Coat wouldn't set up correctly, I when to the local Home depot and bought 2 light flood light fixtures, the kind that hold 2 flood light each. I mounted them on an 8' long 1X6. I had the whole thing setting on 2 blocks behind my turner and after I applied the finish I turned 'em on and let 'em shine on the rod till morning. Came out with a great finish and it was set by the morning.

Take Lee's suggestion a little further and build a drying box. Less wattage needed and less time to dry.

What kind of box? How do you build it?