Temperature

Service Temperatures

The maximum service temperature for paints is: Alkyd and latex - up to 200°F (90°C)

Epoxy - up to 300°F (150°C)

Aluminum - up to 400°F (200°C)

Inorganic zinc - up to 750°F (400°C)

High Temperatures

Latex gloss and semigloss paints are affected by high temperature and high humidity even when they have been on a surface for some time. At temperature and humidity extremes, the coating will soften and become sticky to the touch. This "thermal tack" will disappear when temperature and humidity conditions are reduced. Thermal tack will cause these products to stick to door weather-stripping, so you should not use latex gloss and semigloss for entrance doors.

Viscosity

The viscosity, or body of a paint is affected by temperature. Paint gets thick when cold and thin when hot. Paint left in a car trunk and allowed to get hot or cold (depending on the time of year) must be brought back to 70°F-77°F (20-25°C) before it is used. Cold paint has poor flow properties and tends to sag because it goes on too thick. Warm paint tends to have poor coverage because it goes on too thin.