House Remodeling Ideas: Tips for Painting in Winter

In 2020 and 2021, people in the US spent more on home renovations than ever before. Many saw the stay-at-home period as the perfect opportunity to revamp their apartments and houses.

If you also feel like making some changes but don’t know where to start–you should consider painting your walls. But as winter approaches, you may have doubts about taking up such a meticulous project.

Don't worry, painting in winter may seem challenging, but it's not impossible. Learn tips for painting in winter and ensuring top-notch results.

Use the Appropriate Paint

Only some types of paint can withstand every seasonal change. For example, low temperatures have nothing on acrylic latex paints, which perform much better than regular paint in the winter. Keep in mind that the entire procedure, not just the application, requires a temperature at or above the minimum recommended temperature.

Like with paints, picking the perfect brushes can make or break a painting job. Nylon and polyester brushes are best since the paint thickens in cooler temperatures.

Watch Out for Surface Heating and Cooling

Your paint's minimum application temperature may depend not only on the ambient air temperature but also on the surface temperature. Pros commonly use infrared thermometers in the painting industry, so they don't have to take a stab in the dark about whether the weather is suitable for painting.

Time the Curing Process Appropriately

Paint takes a lot longer to dry in cold weather, which is one of the main challenges of painting in winter. Latex-based paints, for instance, typically require roughly 6 hours to cure at 10 degrees Fahrenheit. This is especially troublesome when two coats are needed, and the painters must stretch the work over multiple days.

Keep a Close Eye on the Weather

To better prepare for your work, you should review the upcoming week's weather forecast. Choose a few days when the weather will be at its best, and the sun will shine. Drying times will also be affected by other environmental variables, such as humidity and sunlight levels, in addition to temperature.

Always remember that exposed surfaces heated by the sun will rise rapidly. Therefore, when painting in the winter, it's best to do so in direct sunshine.

Clean Up Properly

We all know that cleaning up after work is the most unpleasant part. However, the painting procedure is complete once the paint washes out, is cleaned up, and the used paint is disposed of properly.

Put wastewater disposal in an approved area that won't contaminate underground water supplies. Alternatively, you might spend money on a paint washout system that is kind on the planet.

Finally, keep any extra paint in a dry, secure location for touch-ups.

Verify Any Outdated Paints

Water-based paints that have been through numerous freeze-thaw cycles may still be useable, although this is by no means guaranteed.

For example, if the previously frozen paint has lumps and refuses to blend to a smooth consistency, you should throw it out. In addition, water-based paints become unusable as the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas oil-based paints remain usable.

Contact Us for Professional Painting Services in Seattle, WA

Need more tips for winter painting or someone to do the job for you? Our pro painters at Queen Anne Painting have got you covered.

We can help you complete any new painting, carpentry, or decorating project on time and within budget, whether interior or exterior.

Shaun ANovember 25, 2022