I'm just curious if touch up paint will set correctly in cold temperatures below freezing? I have a small rust spot on my roof that I wanted to take care of but there's still a couple of months before we get warm weather here. Is it worth taking care of it now or just waiting until spring?

 

Most paints need a temperature closer to 70 degrees fahrenheit to bond / cure properly. I would find a non-porous material like silver tape to cover the area until it warms up there and the area can be treated properly.

In the meantime, look into Por15 products to find something to treat the rust when you do work on it. They have products that can neutralize, and/ or treat the rust before you top coat it with paint.

 

You might want to lightly sand the spot then keep the immediate area warm with either a hair drier (or if in a garage, hang a lightbulb over the area) and touch up the bare spot with a temporary "skin" of varathane and allow to dry, until spring and warmer weather comes along. Never tried it but may make a good, temp "scab".

 

It's really only a spec so I might just leave it for spring. I'll def look into Por15.

 

Forget it in the cold. Wait for the spring. Remove all rust, then clean with a degreaser, then touch up. You should be good to go. Been doing this on my cars for years, and keep all my cars for at least 15-20 years.

Sold my 2000 Civic last fall, still looks like new from a couple of feet. From close up, you could see the touch ups...but hell, it's almost a 20 YO car!

 

I just touched up my blue sensation pearl paint in 30 degree weather and it sits outside at night, which has been down in the teens lately. Not sure if it's setting correctly but it's all still there a week later.