Summer - It's a wrap! Can we talk a little about the weather?
The outdoor painting season is now over, so it's time to bring your paints, supplies, and painting projects inside and remind our customers about proper paint storage.
Now is a good time to bring the paints from the cottage, sheds, and garages into the warm weather.
Frozen or frosted water-based paint cannot be revived and painting with it negatively affects the durability and smoothness of the surface.
Also remember that paint should not be left in a cold car overnight, or in the back seat on a frosty day during a shopping trip. Water-based Frenchic paint is susceptible to freezing and frostbite.
A painting project outdoors when the air is cool and humid is not always a good idea.
Even if it's still sunny during the day, it's cold at night and heavy dew rises on freshly painted surfaces.
For the paint to cure (dry) effectively, the temperature must be at least 10°C (including overnight) for at least 48 hours after painting.
Dewy and rainy conditions are also not a good option.
Instructions in brief
- Check the weather , and also look at the weather forecast for the next few days. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity.
- Conditions affect : The paint surface must be dry, and the paint must have sufficient time to dry and harden.
- Avoid problems : Weather that is too hot, cold or humid can ruin the final result and reduce the durability of the paint.
- Don't forget storage : Close the paint can carefully and store it away from extreme temperatures. The best storage location is at a constant temperature of +10-+20.
Painting weather and conditions – When is the right time to paint?
Frequently asked questions:
It is generally best to schedule outdoor painting for warm weather – painting in cold or damp conditions is not recommended. But too hot weather can also cause problems! Here are the most important things to remember:
- Check the weather for the time of painting and for the next 48 hours.
- Avoid painting in extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, cold or damp conditions. An open paint can is prone to forming a thick skin on the paint surface and the paint residue on the edges of the can will dry out and fall into the paint can.
So keep the lid on the paint can to prevent impurities from falling into the paint and store the paint can in the shade.
- Remember that depending on the season and location, exterior painting is not always the best idea.
Make sure the surface is dry.
The first and most important rule: the painting surface must be completely dry before applying the paint.
Wooden outdoor furniture and other porous materials can absorb moisture and require a long drying time after rain, winter or washing – sometimes even several days if the weather is not favorable. This problem is accentuated in early spring and late autumn.
Anticipate and move furniture indoors to dry well in advance.
Drying and initial hardening
All paints need time to dry and harden properly.
This is not only important for durability, but it also ensures a smooth and even finish.
Why? Because the moisture in the paint needs to evaporate efficiently in order for it to adhere to the surface and harden properly.
This requires the right conditions that support both the drying and hardening of the paint. Let's dive deeper into these conditions...
What weather and conditions are OK for painting?
With these tips, you will ensure that your painting project is successful no matter the weather!
Always remember to check the weather forecast and protect your paint properly. Painting can be fun – as long as the conditions are right.
Make sure the weather is favorable during painting and also for the next 48 hours – remember that at night the temperature can drop significantly!
Weather too hot?
If the air is too hot, the paint surface may dry too quickly. This can cause an uneven texture and hinder the paint's curing process, as the paint underneath will dry more slowly. In direct sunlight and heat, painting is actually not even possible, as the paint dries quickly both on the brush and in the paint can.
In addition, heat can cause the water in the paint can to evaporate too quickly and the paint to quickly become too thick.
This can lead to the paint thickening and making it difficult to apply evenly – and possibly causing color variations.
To avoid evaporation in the can, transfer the required amount of paint to a clean container (remember to mix well first!) and close the can tightly. Do not leave the can or container in the sun!
The target temperature for painting and the following 48 hours is between +10°C and +32°C.
Weather too cold?
Painting in the cold can also be challenging. Some paints may thicken in the cold, making them more difficult to apply.
In addition, cold slows down drying, which can affect the durability of the final result and cause white "bloom" on the surface.
Extreme cold weather can even freeze water-based paints, making them unusable. Frozen or frostbitten paint should not be revived by thinning or mixing - if the consistency is grainy, do not use the paint.
Make sure the temperature is at least 10°C during painting and for the first 48 hours (remember that the temperature can drop at night!).
Too humid or humid weather?
Humidity slows down the drying of paint. Humid air prevents moisture from evaporating from the paint and slows down the curing process. This is true at all temperatures. In the summer, paint indoors in a well-ventilated area.
As in cold weather, paint dries more slowly in humid conditions. This can prevent the paint from curing properly and cause a white film to appear on the surface.
What is the right time of year for painting?
Considering all of the above, certain seasons may not be the best time for exterior painting.
In Finland, it is recommended to schedule exterior painting for the spring, summer, and warm early autumn seasons, when the weather is usually more favorable, but even then it is worth taking the painted furniture out of the weather after painting to ensure even drying.
A little reminder about storage
The storage conditions of the paint also matter:
- When you pick up paint, please do not leave the paint can in a cold car on a frosty day while you are shopping. Water-based paint is prone to frostbite and freezing, and frozen paint cannot be revived.
- Close used cans carefully after use to prevent water from evaporating from the paint. This will result in a thick paint.
- Protect paints from moisture, cold and heat during storage. The best place is a dry, even temperature.
- Don't store paint in an outdoor storage room or garage during the winter, now is the time to save the paint for a warm place.
- When reusing paints after a longer period of storage, first stir the paint vigorously and for a long time.
If the paint consistency seems even and correct after careful mixing, and the paint doesn't smell bad, you can test the paint on a test piece to see how it spreads. If everything is fine and the color looks correct, you can continue painting.
Otherwise, we do not recommend painting with paint that has a grainy texture and an unpleasant smell. Such paint is spoiled.
Damaged paint affects both the tone and durability of the surface, as well as the beautiful surface and application of the final result.
With these tips, you will ensure that your painting project is successful no matter the weather!
Always remember to check the weather forecast and protect and seal your goals properly.
You can read more painting tips for exterior painting here.
You can read about painting the front door here.
Painting can be fun – as long as the conditions are right.
