Recently, we shared a post detailing why the winter months in Washington, DC, McLean, VA and across the locality can be the ideal time of year for an interior painting project. From getting a head start before the spring season to saving money on painting contractor costs, there are many reasons to consider painting your interiors during the colder months of the year.
But at the same time, the winter weather brings with it a series of unique challenges to factor in. The same can be said for all four seasons, during which temperatures and humidity levels can impact various aspects of the painting process.
Painting during the winter is no more difficult than any other time of year, but you need to compensate for the potentially cooler temperatures around the home.
So with this in mind, here are five top tips from the experts at Homm CPS on how to ace your interior painting project this winter:
Allow Plenty of Time for Curing
First up, most types of paint take significantly longer to cure in colder temperatures. This isn’t an issue if your home is efficiently and comfortably heated, but could prove an issue in the cooler corners of your home. In which case, you’ll need to give each coat of paint (and primer) plenty of time to cure before continuing.
When it’s cooler indoors and out, it can take a good six hours for a single coat of latex paint to dry. Assuming you’ll be applying multiple coats, this means you’ll need to budget plenty of time. Or if possible, keep the room adequately heated while painting.
Use the Right Paint
Choosing the right paint for winter projects doesn’t have to be difficult. Most paints will indicate clearly the suitable temperature ranges within which they can be used on the can. Alternatively, you can simply ask your retailer or painting contractor for their suggestions.
As a rule of thumb, lower-grade paints prove more problematic than high-end paints during cooler conditions. There are exceptions to the rule, but it’s a good idea to pick up the highest-quality paints you can afford, nonetheless.
Keep the Paint Warm
Even if you specifically choose paints that are suitable for cooler conditions, it is still important to store them in a warm, dry and safe place. Colder temperatures have a habit of causing paints to form clumps, or to become inconsistent.
Keep your paints at what you would consider a comfortable room temperature, avoiding excessive or rapid shifts in temperature where possible. Storing paints in unheated garages, sheds and basements during the winter isn’t recommended.
Consider the Temperature of the Surface
Along with the ambient temperature and the quality of the paint itself, you’ll also need to consider the temperature of the surface you intend to paint. Again, this is more of an issue in areas of the home that are not comfortably and consistently heated throughout the winter months.
In any case, it’s worth remembering that just because the ambient temperature in a room is relatively warm, this doesn’t mean the surface you intend to paint will be the same temperature. Try to avoid painting any surfaces that are particularly cold, as this can make it more difficult for the paint to adhere smoothly and consistently.
Use Paint Conditioners or Additives
Last up, there are various paint conditioners and additives on the market that can make it easier to deal with thicker paints during the winter months. However, it’s important to approach paint conditioners and additives with care as they can affect the paint’s capacity to adhere to the surface efficiently.
It’s only ever advisable to use these kinds of conditioners under the direct advisement of an expert. Feel free to ask your local retailer for their recommendations, or speak to a professional painting contractor for more information.
All Projects and Budgets Covered…
At Homm CPS, we offer a complete range of interior painting services to suit all budgets throughout the year. With the exceptions of a few major public holidays, we’re out and about improving interiors in all weathers, all year round.
Whether planning ahead or in need of urgent assistance with the project already underway, we can help. Contact a member of the team at Homm CPS anytime to book your obligation-free consultation, or to discuss your requirements in more detail.
Alternatively, drop us an email at your convenience and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.