While painting in cold weather may not be ideal, it's sometimes necessary. Maybe you were too busy all year or just now noticed parts of your home you'd like to touch up. With the correct technique, tools and materials, you can paint outside even as winter settles in.
Before you grab a brush and start painting, consider some of the unique challenges of painting in cold temperatures.
First, you'll want to check the weather. Cold temperatures are one thing for exterior painting, but snow, rain and ice are another. Even if it's not actively snowing or raining when you plan to paint, you'll want to ensure there's no precipitation beforehand. Further, icy surfaces will impact your paint application and pose safety risks for you or whoever is painting.
Next, some paint isn't suited for painting at certain temperatures. Check your chosen paint's can for information on the optimal painting temperature and ensure your paint can handle the weather. If it can't, you'll either need to buy a new type of paint or wait for more ideal temperatures.
Regulating temperature is much easier if you’re taking on an interior job. You can adjust the internal heating system to the perfect level and choose an indoor paint formula for the best results.
Finally, consider how long this paint project will take you. Don't expect a quick painting process, as paint can take longer to dry in colder temperatures. In order to make your paint look good, you should be willing to add extra time to your painting project.
Are you ready to learn how to paint in winter? The following cold-weather painting tips will help you kick off your revamp project.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast to see when there are enough nice days in a row to complete your project. Try to plan your paint job for days with relatively high temperatures and sunlight. It's also best to plan for days that aren’t too humid with low winds that aren’t directed toward your paint surfaces. These conditions will prevent speedy or delayed drying and stop the wind from blowing debris and dirt onto the surface before it sets.
When checking the weather forecast, take note of the temperature after you plan to finish painting. Ensure the outdoor temperature will stay above your paint's recommended temperature for 48 hours after painting. This includes throughout the night. Temperatures dropping throughout the night will affect the drying process.
Generally, painting is OK within the range of 35 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but some paint works better than others at certain temperatures. Choose the right kind of paint for your cold-weather painting project to ensure your work lasts.
Acrylic latex paints are a great option for painting during the colder months. We also recommend using Benjamin Moore paint for any cold-weather painting. Benjamin Moore has easy-to-use data sheets you can reference to see what paints and primers work best for your cold-weather application. For other paint brands, verify temperature specifications on the label or brand website.
The temperature of the surface you're painting in winter also matters. Different materials keep or expel heat and cold at different levels, which can affect the way paint cures. It's possible that the surface you plan to paint is colder than the surrounding air. If the surface is colder than 35 degrees Fahrenheit, the same rules apply for air temperatures below 35 degrees.
Infrared thermometers are the best way to determine surface temperature and ensure the material is warm enough to paint on. Paint professionals use infrared thermometers to verify surface temperature, so it's a good idea for you to do so, too.
You may also want to use a heat tool, like a hairdryer, to help you warm up particularly cold exterior surfaces. Lightly apply heat to an area just before painting to help the material’s paint retention. If you do this, make sure the surface is just warm enough to the touch — don't blast it with heat.
Once you’ve selected the right paint, prepare it for application. Paint thickens when it chills, so you’ll want to dedicate more time to loosening it. Stir it rigorously to improve its consistency.
Water-based paints can often freeze and thaw in cold weather. If you can get paint that has frozen to a smooth consistency with extra stirring, you can still use it. A stringy or lumpy texture may require you to replace the bucket. To regulate your container's temperature, store it indoors or in a warm space. You can also use a paint heater to keep it at the right temperature.
Paint can thicken in colder weather conditions. Therefore, stiffer paint brushes are ideal for a better, more even application. Paint brushes made with Chinex, nylon or polyester bristles work well for cold-weather paint jobs and give you more control when painting.
While paint can dry in cold weather, it may take some extra time. For exterior painting projects, sunlight can help paint dry faster, and as sunlight becomes more limited during the winter months, your paint may take longer than usual to dry.
Use your information on the paint type and surface temperature to help you estimate your drying time. If possible, paint a small sample of the material and leave it outside to see how it reacts to weather conditions and how long it takes to dry. Also, remember to check the weather for the added time your paint may need to dry. It's best to ensure the days after painting will stay warm enough in case your drying time takes longer than anticipated.
An indoor painting project will need less seasonal preparation than an external one, but here are a few tips to keep in mind:
At Aboff's Paint, we have all the supplies you need for a successful paint job, even during the colder months. As Long Island's number one Benjamin Moore retailer, our products will help you achieve the highest-quality finish.
Shop our wide selection of Benjamin Moore paint and use this online guide to ensure your paint is optimal for cold weather. You can also visit an Aboff's Paint store near you to have our expert staff help you find the perfect paint.
