Painting in cold areas

I live where it is cold for a while yet and do not have a heated area in which to paint so things have come to a slow down as I need to paint some parts and such to begine reassembly. A couple of questions come to mind. What is the reason for not painting an item in 40 degree temperature. Is it that the paint will not flash off and stay soft , or will it not adhere to cold metal,or something of this sort. What will happen if I paint a block in this temperature, am I wasting my time and Paint. Is there some way short of trying to heat a a large shop? What is the lowest degree of temperature could a person paint at and get a respectable paint job? thanks for your help Bob

Bob--I too have to paint in a cold environment sometimes. Assuming the piece can be moved, you could bring into a heated area, warm the paint then use it out in the cold. The metal will retain warmth for a surprising time. I normally use Krylon spray on my engines as it dries quickly even in less than ideal conditions and have had no prob with it. Just takes longer to dry dust-free. 'Keep 'em running'---Ted