When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, choosing the proper paint is solely half the battle. The weather can extensively affect the application, drying time, and the final outcome of your paint job. In this article, we will look into a few of the ways that climate can have an effect on your exterior paint and provide guidelines on how to guard your investment.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Paint
Before we dive into the approaches that weather can have an impact on your exterior paint job, let's first talk about the importance of deciding on the right paint. Not all exterior paints are created equal, and it's crucial to choose a paint that is specially designed for the kind of floor you will be painting.
For example, if you are painting a wooden deck, you may favor selecting a paint that is formulated to stand up to foot traffic and withstand fading and peeling. On the other hand, if you're painting a metallic gate, you may want a paint that is rust-resistant and can withstand exposure to the elements.
Additionally, you should prefer to consider the local weather in which you live. If you stay in an area that experiences excessive temperatures or high humidity, such as South Florida, you will favor picking out a paint that can withstand these conditions. Look for paint that is labeled "exterior," "weather-resistant," or "all-weather" for optimal results.
How Temperature Affects Paint Application
The temperature at which you apply your paint can have a tremendous effect on the quality of your paint job. Most paints are designed to be utilized in temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too cold, the paint may no longer adhere properly, while if it's too hot, the paint may dry too quickly, leaving it prone to cracks and bubbles.
It's necessary to understand the weather forecast and graph your painting assignment accordingly. If the temperature is beyond the recommended range, you may additionally need to wait for a more favorable time to paint.
Additionally, if you're painting in direct sunlight, the surface that you are painting may additionally come to be too hot, causing the paint to dry too quickly. To avoid this, strive to paint in the early morning or late afternoon when the effects of the sun are not as strong.
The Impact of Humidity on Paint Drying Time
Humidity can additionally have a vast impact on the drying time of your paint. When the air is humid, the paint will dry extra slowly, which can lead to drips and an uneven finish. On the other hand, if the air is too dry, the paint may also dry too quickly, leading to cracking and peeling.
If you stay in a vicinity with excessive humidity, try to paint on a day when the humidity is low, or use a dehumidifier to eliminate excess moisture from the air.
Wind and Paint Application
Wind can also leave a serious impact on your paint job, especially if you are using a type of paint that you have to spray on with a paint gun. If the wind is too strong, it can blow the paint away from the area that you're painting and leave you with an uneven finish and wasted paint.
However, if you must paint on a windy day, attempt to do so while the wind is blowing at your back. You may also desire to use cardboard or plastic protection to guard the surrounding areas from overspray.
How Rain Can Ruin a Fresh Coat of Paint
Rain is possibly the worst weather-related hazard to a fresh coat of paint. If it begins to rain earlier than the paint had a chance to dry, the water can result in the paint running or streaking and leaving an uneven finish.
If rain is in the forecast, it's much better to wait for a dry day to paint. If you are caught in a surprising rain shower, try to cover the painted area with a tarp or plastic sheeting to prevent damage.
Snow and Freezing Temperatures
If you stay in a place that experiences snow and freezing temperatures, it's essential to take more precautions when painting the exterior of your home or business. Paint that is applied at freezing temperatures can become a hazard to become dry, crack and peel, which of course is an unpleasant result.
If you need to paint in cold weather, pick a paint formulated for use in low temperatures. You may also need to wait for a stretch of milder weather to make sure that the paint dries properly.
Protecting Your Paint from Sun Damage
While rain and snow can harm your paint, the sun can also affect your exterior surfaces. UV rays can purpose paint to fade and emerge as discolored, leading to a dull and worn appearance.
To protect your paint from sun damage, pick a paint that is formulated to resist fading and discoloration. Additionally, consider adding a UV-resistant topcoat to furnish an extra layer of protection.
Choosing the Right Time of Year to Paint
Ultimately, one of the better ways to protect your exterior paint from the elements is to pick out the right time of year to paint. In general, spring and fall are the better times to paint, as the temperatures are moderate, and the humidity is typically low.
However, if you want to paint for the duration of the summer or winter months, it's still viable to acquire a fantastic finish. Again, it is better to understand the forecast and design your painting project accordingly.
Conclusion
Weather can have an extensive effect on the final result of your exterior paint job, however with the proper training and precautions, you can guard your investment and reap a stunning finish. Remember to choose the right paint for your floor and climate, reveal the temperature and humidity, and take more precautions during inclement weather. By following these tips, you can make certain that your exterior paint job lasts for years to come.
Finally, if you are looking to get your home or business a fresh coat of paint or if you are commencing a new project that will need any application of paint, pressure washing, or wallcoverings, make sure to reach out to us so that one of our friendly team of estimators can provide you with a quote. We at Mousseri Painting have been a leader in the painting industry throughout the state of Florida for over 25 years.