8 handy tips for painting outdoors
Whether it's decorating the garden or repainting the doors and windows, outdoor projects are the most rewarding to undertake. Nevertheless, there are a few additional things to consider:
In the following, we go through eight handy tips that are good to keep in mind when painting outside and painting outdoor furniture, so that painting goes stress-free and the end result is the best possible.
1. Check the weather forecast
What's the weather like today and tomorrow? This may seem obvious, but it's really important to look outside and check the weather forecast! You've probably heard this tip before, but we'll explain the technical part to make it crystal clear:
In order for the paint to work perfectly, drying and hardening must take place in the right humidity, so that the hardening of the paint film is not disturbed. The water evaporates from water-based paint within three weeks, so all in all the curing process usually takes up to 3 weeks.
However, the first 48 hours are really important. During this time, weather conditions can greatly affect the curing process, with humidity and temperature being the biggest factors. The paint film does not dry properly when it is too cold or too hot.
Rain and cold weather
So check that rain is not forecast and that the temperature does not drop below 10 °C during painting and for 48 hours afterwards. Don't forget that this also applies to night temperatures.
In practice, this means that exterior painting should be done in the summer months in Finland and you should be careful with the night humidity in late summer and early autumn.
Heat and humidity, rain and cold are not the only things to observe. Very high temperatures can cause the top layer of paint to harden too quickly, preventing the paint underneath from drying properly. On the other hand, very humid conditions slow down drying too much, such as nighttime humidity, which still collects dew on surfaces during the night hours.
Ideally, you should aim for a temperature below +32 °C and an air humidity below 80 percent.
2. And let the paint dry in peace
Nice sunny period - cheers? You've checked the weather for the next few days and are ready to rush outside with your paintbrush on the first dry and sunny day in ages... Patience, Picasso!
Unfortunately, the previous rainy spell meant that everything porous outside has absorbed moisture. It includes, for example, wood, stone and terracotta. You need to give them time to dry before you even consider painting. And don't forget that part of the prep is cleansing, so that adds moisture too! Be sure to allow plenty of time for the surface to dry - this can take 24 hours or even longer in cooler or cloudy weather. A rule of thumb could be: washing and painting on different days.
3. Avoid direct sunlight
Another thing to keep in mind: when it's a beautiful sunny day, painting in direct sunlight can make things tricky. If the surface is heated, it usually causes the paint to start to dry when you apply it. This makes it difficult to spread the paint evenly .
Painting in too hot and direct sunlight is not really possible, the paint dries almost directly on the brush, and thus cannot be smoothed out nicely on the surface.
You should also keep the paint can in the shade. See the frequently asked questions about paint storage for more information.
4. Assess the condition of the surface to be painted
Save it. The next most important factor in outdoor projects is the condition of the surface. Ok - it has to do with the weather to some extent, as the poor, grooved and weathered surface absorbs moisture when it rains. A quick painting won't fix it!
If moisture gets under the painted surface and soaks into the surface, it will lead to peeling and peeling of the paint over time. Sometimes you just have to accept that something is in too bad a condition and is no longer suitable for painting.
Rate the object to be painted:
Check that there is no rust, mold, algae or moss on the surface.
Remove and make the necessary remedial treatments.
Check the surface for cracks or other damage that could allow moisture to penetrate the wood or concrete.
Fix loose joints and replace broken parts with working ones.
Remove any peeling or flaking paint and varnish.
Fill the areas with a suitable filler intended for outdoor use and sand the leveling areas back to a smooth surface.
Make sure the target is clean. So only paint a clean and dry surface. We don't want anything extra or loose between the surface to be painted and the paint. (we recommend effective Sugar Soap for washing ).
Lightly sand the surface to achieve the best possible adhesion to maximize paint adhesion.
5. Never paint door and window seals or silicone seams
Updating worn windows and doors is one of the most popular exterior painting projects. It's so satisfying and brightens up the curb appeal in no time. See more instructions on painting doors and stairs.
Most types of doors and windows are suitable for painting as long as they are in good condition. Our best tip is to make sure you don't paint silicone or rubber seals. Applying paint to gaskets may look good at first, but over time their flexible nature causes cracking and peeling. It spoils the appearance of windows or doors - and may also affect their operation.
6. Choose the right paint
When painting exteriors, don't agree to use standard interior paint. Rain and UV exposure will spoil it over time, causing it to fade, peel, crack and bubble.
To ensure longevity, choose a weather-resistant, UV-resistant paint such as the Frenchic Al Fresco range.
7. Make sure you buy enough paint
As mentioned earlier, many exterior surfaces are porous and grooved. In addition to absorbing moisture from the weather, they can absorb paint when painting a lot, such as, for example, new wooden surfaces and raw boards.
In short, you may need more paint than you think - although this usually does not apply to previously painted surfaces.
Always check the instructions on the paint can how much paint to use.
If the jar says two coats, apply two coats!
If the coverage instructions say that there is paint in the can for an area of six square meters, and there is a lot of paint left after painting that size area, the paint layers are too thin.
To achieve a lasting result, you need to apply more paint.
Frenchic paints do not need to be thinned and the self-leveling property of the paint benefits from a generous painting hand.
8. Looking for inspiration to paint outdoors?
If you're ready to start exterior painting, Frenchic is with you the whole time.
In addition to the outdoor-friendly paints in our Al Fresco selection, we have compiled guides for many of the most popular outdoor painting jobs and answers to frequently asked questions:
Let's paint outside - tricks and tips
Painting the gazebo and waxing the log beams
Exterior door painting instructions
Kirsi's project: Exterior door and garden tiles
Choose the right paint for the right target
