Things to know when painting in cool weather

Rather than endure the sweltering summer heat, many people prefer to take on exterior painting projects in cooler, more temperate fall weather. However, crisp mornings and warm afternoons often give way to cool evenings and when the thermometer drops, painters must take heed of special precautions. If you’re considering applying a new exterior paint color to your home this fall Hirshfield’s expert, Wendy Doornink, says the best time to paint is typically between 10:00a.m. and 3:00p.m. She also has recommends these exterior painting tips for fall weather:

50-degrees

Wendy says, for best results you should not apply paint or stains in temperatures below 50-degrees. Not following these guidelines can cut years off the life of the paint job, before cracking and loss of adhesion set in. However, Hirshfield’s Paint Manufacturing has a complete line of premium 100% acrylic latex paints and primers that have been specially formulated to be used in temperatures as low as 35°F. Keep in mind, in ideal situations, the air and surface temperatures should not drop below 35° for 36 hours after application to allow proper drying and film formation.

Start on the sunny side of the house

In the hot and humid summer months, it’s common practice for painters to begin painting on the shady side of a house and working around the home to avoid the glare of the sun. In the fall, it’s the exact opposite. When possible start painting on the sunny side of the house and follow the sun around your home.

Be patient

Keep in mind that lower temperatures mean slower drying and longer curing times, which means be patient. Allow ample time between coats, generally 24-hours. Wendy adds, “this is especially critical when you’re painting with darker colors, which have more colorant, or when applying a latex paint over an alkyd primer.”

Pay attention to the dew points

Here’s a thumbnail meteorology lesson, the dew point is the temperature at which moisture will condense on a surface. So, what does this mean for you painters? Paints, stains, or primers should not be applied unless the surface temperature is at least 5° higher than the dew point. Remember that all surfaces to be stained or painted need to be clean and dry. If dew forms on a painted surface that hasn’t had a chance cure properly, you may experience some water spotting or surfactant leaching problems, especially in darker colors.

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