Thursday, December 25, 2008

Winter is here

Winter is surely here.  The daytime temperature is averaging below recommended painting temperatures.  Make sure that the surface temperature is above 50 degrees too.  If you are working inside on an unoccupied structure, use heaters to insure proper drying.  Do not leave your pumps outside in cold weather, even for a long lunch.

Do NOT leave any material in an airless that is left outside for any length of time.  Even in the back of your truck covered with a tarp.  If the material reaches freezing in a closed system, it WILL crack the cylinder and/or sleeve.  I see it happen every year.  Remember that the pump saver, conditioner, etc are NOT freeze resistant.  Pump saver PLUS is.  It will be labeled as an anti-freeze if it is freeze resistant.  Otherwise it will freeze at 32 degrees!!  If you think that you must leave anything in you pump, go to the auto parts store and buy some auto anti-freeze, mix it with water and use that.

My advise is to clean out your machine after every use and store it clean and dry or with an anti-freeze/pump conditioner in it.  But always leave the prime valve open.  Every day.  All year.  It's safer and smarter (and cheaper in the long run).

I'm hoping that you are having a very MERRY CHRISTMAS.  And we are all praying for a bright and prosperous New Year.