I've worked outside all my life as a rough carpenter. The weather didn't seem to bug that much until the economy got bad and things slowed down. Being 44 years old now, and out of work, I find it great being indoors, and dread going out to work in the harsh weather. (Except for the fact that I am not making money!) That is unless I am going skiing, snowmobiling, or ice fishing! Playing and working with your hands are two different things. Playing you can quit when your hands get cold. I remember when I was a little boy and skipped school once with a neighbor kid. He said nor rain, nor snow, or sleet will stop us from going to school, but it didn't rain, snow, or sleet, so screw it we didn't go. We had a mile to walk to our bus stop.
Another way to get a tough finish on enamel is to glaze it. You want to do it right after the enamel dries, but what you can do is put a clear coat of urethane over it.