Winter is quickly approaching, which means many homeowners will put off outdoor home improvement projects until the warm weather returns. Cold weather (temperatures between 35 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit) can wreak havoc on an exterior paint job, but that doesn’t mean that your projects have to be put off. Read on for tips on painting in cold weather.
Apply more than one coat. This will ensure an even coverage of paint on the surface. Ensure that the previous layer of paint is dry before applying a second or third coat. Depending on the type of paint you use and the temperature outside, the amount of time you have to wait before you reapply paint may vary. Typically, the lower the temperature, the longer you will have to wait between paint applications.
Paint during the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. When the sun goes down in winter months, the temperature of the surface being painted, as well as the air temperature, will drop and can cause issues while paint is drying. Stop painting a few hours before the sun goes down completely so the paint has enough time to adhere to the surface.
Keep the surface dry. Moisture can be a big problem when painting exterior surfaces in the winter. Moisture from dew and other natural elements can settle on a painting surface, and can become trapped when painted over, ruining the longevity of the paint job. Let the sun shine on the exterior surface that is being painted for a few hours before you begin painting to ensure there is no moisture on the surface.
Keep the paint at a warm temperature. Cold paint will not spread as easily, and you can end up using more paint than necessary if paint is kept at a low temperature. Paint can even clump up or freeze if temperatures drop low enough. Submerge the can of paint halfway into a large bowl of warm water. Refresh the water periodically to maintain a consistent temperature.
When it comes to painting in the winter, many would rather put the job aside for a warmer season. Following these tips will equip you will the skills necessary to paint during the cold months of the year. For more help with outdoor painting or any other painting needs, contact Tinley Park painters at 815-485-5091.
