Painting is usually one of those things we consider doing during the warmer months. In fact, it makes sense to undertake any form of painting while the sun is shining and temperature levels are ideal for drying. However, what if the timing isn’t right and you need to paint when it’s cold and dreary? If you’re in this situation and not quite sure what the right move is, here are some handy tips on how to get around it and make winter painting work for you.
Commence work in the morning
The best time of day to start painting is in the morning. Get most of your prepping done between 8am-12pm to allow the paint enough time to dry and cure. The temperature naturally increases throughout the day and will ultimately make the whole process a little easier for everyone involved. Painting outside? If it’s raining heavily and there’s exterior work that needs to be done, it may be best to wait until it subsides. In some extreme cases, it’s not possible to continue painting until external conditions have settled down. Patience is key in this instance.
Choosing the right paint finish
If you don’t have the option of waiting until the weather heats up, you can still choose a paint finish that is suitable for cooler temperatures. This can help enhance the drying process and improve your overall painting experience. Other important things to consider are to regularly check the forecast throughout the day, keep the room you’re working in warm and ensure any direct sunlight coming through is used to your best advantage. It’s also ideal to wait for the paint to completely dry after each coat application (4-6 hours, sometimes longer in extreme weather conditions) before starting on the second coat; otherwise you risk the paint bubbling and blistering, which isn’t ideal.
Gauging the temperature throughout the day
When painting in cold weather, the temperature becomes somewhat temperamental and can often disrupt the true effectiveness of the painting work at hand. Not only can it change the drying pattern and performance, it can often take longer to complete due to these external factors. However, it doesn’t have to be hard work. With so many advanced products on the market today, there are some great alternatives to look out for that will better prepare you for painting in the cold.
We recommend choosing paints that are specifically designed for cooler temperatures such as primers; one coat finishes and stain resistant paints. Paint also tends to dry thicker during the cooler weather, requiring extra thinner so choosing the correct brushes and paint rollers is vital.
Create an enclosed space to trap more heat
Another good idea when painting in cold temperatures is to create a shield that will block out excessive wind and trap more heat into an enclosed area. Whether you choose to shut a door or window or simply use a small heating device to increase the temperature levels in that space, you will help improve the drying time dramatically.
W and M Painting Services is well equipped to deal with these issues during winter and can help you achieve a seamless result, no matter what time of year it is. Rain, hail or shine, we’re here to provide professional painting services to make your life easier.