Long story short. Hit a deer, fixed car, did all the body/prep work myself and then had a guy come spray it in my dad's shop. Primer/basecoat was done saturday, clear on sunday. Shop was only heated to around 60 degrees to paint it, and enough to keep it from freezing in there the past 3 nights. Since it's cold...I'm wondering how long before I can drive it? I only ask because it's supposed to be in the 30s at night over the next few days and in the 50s during the day. I've heard multiple different things like it's good as soon as the paint dries and wait a week. Trying to get some more opinions. I plan to start reassembly tomorrow.

 

Personally, I don't think it's going to make a difference since the shop isn't heated anymore. It might actually do it some good if I take it out of there and let it get some sunlight.

 

What paint did you use? Check the tech data sheet and see what it says

 

NAPA crossfire for both the base and clear. The only thing I see is drying times with the longest being "overnight without force dry", which I'm well past.

 

What temp activator/reducer? It's supposed to be dry within 24 hours but i'd give it 48 and tap it with your finger in an discrete area. If you leave a print, it's too soon. Paint should be hard, very hard and not at all tacky.

 

Fastest drying reducer/activator I could get my hands on. Rated for 60-70 degrees. I'll try that on the underside of a door mirror or something tomorrow.

 

if you have waited 3 nights (72 hours) go out and enjoy your car. your good to go.

 

I'm gonna leave the heat on for an extra night, check it tomorrow and more than likely put it together then take it home. Thanks guys.

 

You can wetsand within 24 hours, so i doubt the elements could do much worse...

 

While this is generally true, I advise avoiding parking under sappy trees. I've had sap etch new urethane paints before.