Research project: How does temperature affect paints

First of three simultaneous responses --

A. Dear Cassie,

The question you've got is rather stupid.

There are all sorts of paints on the market ... from the ordinary house paints to expensive 2-component paints.

Of course temperature affects wet paints. The 'hotter' it is, then the faster the drying time.

And if the temperature is too hot, that will cause the paint to fail, to blister, to crack up.

Second of three simultaneous responses --

A. Middle School science projects aren't overly strict. Do your paper on paint in general and your experiment on the effects of temperature. I'm curious what you mean by that, is it the temperature of the paint at the time of application, the temperature of the substrate (thing being painted) at the time of application, or the effects of temperature on a surface that's been painted under normal conditions? For that matter, the answers to all of the above probably vary depending on the type of paint.

Third of three simultaneous responses --

A. Cassie,
your plea for help has fallen upon the ears of one who will point you, but you have to do the work. Finding answers and learning how to find them are part of your project. Asking someone to give you the answer does not fulfill the goals of the assignment (Okay, so I've given this same speech to my daughter, now an 8th grader).

Anyway, I would suggest that you either go to the library and find books which will tell you what paint is, how it is applied, etc. Those same books probably will tell you what the effect of temperature is on different types of paints applied to different surfaces.

Much of this information is also available on line. Use two search engines to check. You will have more sources and information that you will know what to do with.

A. I like your first idea of going to the library best, Gene :-)  Search engines let you find the answer without understanding the question, which can be bad for students. There is plenty of evidence that students aren't understanding the questions and aren't learning how to research stuff other than via google.

Cassie, please ask the librarian for help finding an age-appropriate book about conducting science experiments. I think you don't yet understand what the teacher is looking for from you, and are in danger of wasting a lot of time submitting lots of info about paints without getting anything out of the effort. Good luck!

A. Google search

One suggested project might be to study the effect of heat on one type of paint of your choice. Design experiments to test how the physical properties of the paint are affected by heat. Physical properties such as color, texture, adherence and odor may be tested. Finally report your results in a the form of a table or graph. (More info bottom of post).

(You could possibly add a lamp to mimic more heat).

Another idea: Focus on Florida.

http://www.scottpaint.net/files/ta/SOLUTIONS%20WEB%20How%20Does%20Florida's%20Climate%20Affect%20Painting.pdf

Idea: Since you are in Florida you can talk about Swimming Pool Paint Surfaces (or deck coatings)

Have some fun with mini pools and yes, have some barbie dolls sitting around the cool pool that you painted and tested.

(of course, you need the science behind it, do some test paints, and graphs, etc.).

You could start out as a homeowner with a pool paint problem and walk the steps to resolve ... that would be an interesting twist.

Pools can have a finishing surface of concrete, tiles, painted plaster, etc. Pool paint comes in a variety of different colors and types made specifically for the different surfaces. Epoxy, chlorinated or synthetic rubber and water based paint are all common products. The type of paint which can and should be used depends on the type of pool surface both whether it is a brand new pool or whether it already has a coating on it. Some paints and surfaces may also require a primer and/or multiple coats and many require the surface be either specially cleaned or sanded.

http://www.ehow.com/how_17436_paint-swimming-pool.html

Carefully follow all manufacturer's drying and curing directions. Thus you can test if you do not.

Temperature is critical to epoxy paints to ensure proper curing and coating. Low temperatures can cause discoloring and poor adhesion.

HINT paint manufacturers, like Scott Paint, or Sherwin Williams offer comments, guides, and tips.

Some of the paints require great care to do. Observe precautions.


More about the heat test Project in general.

How is paint affected by temperature changes? You may have noticed blisters on painted surfaces that are very close to an electric or gas heater. Blisters are not the only affect of heat on paint! Some paints will become extra dry and crack or peal off when exposed to the heat. Paint applied to certain products and certain areas need to have a higher resistance to heat. Chemists often need to test the resistance of different paints to high temperatures in order to determine the usability of certain paints for certain applications. A trip to the hardware store reveals special paint for engines or gas grills. Both Engines and grills get hot.

Paint samples and brochures usually free are good for display and look professional. Pick up several so you can show both sides.

Good luck,

A. Hi Tarryn. If you have a large library in your area, simply go there and find a book on "Paint testing" and it will quickly educate you on these matters. Even basic books on painting like Norman Roobol's "Industrial Painting -- Principles and Practices".
will serve excellently. Just for a quick idea, here's the "testing" portion of the index of that book:

It will take longer and be a lot more confusing if you only have access to the internet and absolutely can't get your hands on paint testing books, but the index terms will get you started. Good luck.

Regards,