Painting in cold weather is no longer an impossible task as it used to be many years ago. If you have home improvement plans that involve painting this fall, read on to discover some tips from the pros on cold weather painting.
Check Paint: Paint with a lumpy consistency is no longer usable, so if you’re doing touch ups, check the paint for lumps before applying. When dealing with oil paints, check the viscosity. If it’s much thicker than when it was opened in warmer weather, some thinner may be needed to bring it back to the right consistency. Although latex paints allow for more cold weather painting to be possible, as a general rule, oil painting should only be done when the weather is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
Check Temperature & Humidity: The temperature of the surface you want to paint should be 35 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Generally, humidity should be within normal levels between 40% and 60%. Newer latex paints allow painting projects for temperatures below the old 50 degrees rule. Don’t forget to check the temperature of the surface you are painting. It should be 35 degrees or above to prevent paint from cracking. If you’re painting outdoors, it’s recommended to wait until the sun is up to start. Avoid painting projects the day before a heavy rainfall, snowstorm, or deep freeze, which can alter the effects of coat of paint.
Be Prepared To Wait: As a rule of thumb, the colder the weather, the longer the drying time will be. During the winter months, drying time for paint doubles, so don’t be surprised if a small job takes longer than one day to finish. Making sure the paint is dry in between coats will prevent uneven color coverage and ensure a proper film of paint.
Store Paint Properly: The longevity of paint is greatly reduced when it reaches freezing temperatures. Avoid storing paint in open areas such as sheds or outdoor storage lockers where it can quickly freeze. Basements or attic spaces are better options for storing paint because the residual heat from a home will help prevent the paint from getting too cold.
Painting during the winter months is not an impossible task as long as you’re prepared to take the right steps. Make your fall paint project a success with these cold weather painting tips!