EMBRACE THE CHILL: TIPS FOR WINTER PAINTING
Let’s face it, painting in the winter isn’t an easy feat. Yet a final coat of paint is crucial to shielding your property from harsh winter conditions. With an artic front moving in this weekend, you may find yourself racing against the clock to finish a paint project, we know we certainly are. But fear not, Shaker’s painting professionals have nuggets of wisdom to share on how to conquer the challenges of cold-weather painting. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa or tea and read on for some insider tips.
TIPS FOR WINTER PAINTERS:
1. Check the Weather: A simple yet important tip! Before diving into a project, keep an eye on the weather forecast and aim for a few consecutive sunny days with higher temperatures during the day and night. Pay attention to both highs and lows, and make sure the paint's minimum temperature requirements are met for proper curing (pssst, you can find this information on the back of the paint can).
2. Timing is Everything: Focus on prep work in the early morning and start painting around 10 a.m., wrapping up by 2 p.m. This way, your surfaces are warmer, and the paint is drying before temperatures drop and dew sets in. Don't forget, factors like humidity, wind speed, and direction can also affect your paint job. Always remember to check for these additional elements when looking at the weather forecast.
3. Surface Temperature Matters: Air temperature and surface temperature often vary especially in the winter. Use an electric, non-contact thermometer to accurately gauge surface temperature. Ensure your surface is above 35°F for proper drying and curing.
4. Use the Right Paint: Opt for paints specifically formulated for cold environments. Most paint brands carry products that perform in temperatures as low as 35°F and adhere to surface temperatures as low as 0°F.
5. Check your Viscosity: Let your paint get cozy and consider investing in a paint heater or wrapping your paint in blankets to decrease viscosity for a smoother application. Remember, if it's lumpy and refuses to smooth, it's time to bid adieu.
6. Tools of the Trade: You can use the same sundries for warm and cold weather painting. However, for a denser paint coating, we recommend choosing a stiff brush with nylon, polyester, or Chinex bristles. Don't forget to check if your fillers, primers, and caulking can handle the cold.
7. Schedule is Key: Plan and schedule your projects wisely. Starting an exterior restoration project in January can bring many challenges and won’t always result in the best quality paint job. Be honest with yourself and realistic with your timeline. Use the winter downtime to plan your dream project, pick your colors, and contact us, to get on our Spring schedule.
8. Choose the Right Paint Contractor: One of Shaker Painting's core values is protect. By partnering with us we unconditionally guarantee to protect your investment through our superb coatings and exceptional customer service. While it’s true, cold weather painting is tricky, Shaker has the skills, tools, and knowledge to deliver stunning results and protect your property!
