Get Painting While The Sun Still Shines

With the cold and wet of winter just around the corner, Easter is probably your last chance to paint outside your home.

According to Michael Beresford, Paint Quality Institute Manager, Asia Pacific Region, Easter is a perfect time to paint.

"Applying a good quality paint to the exterior of your home, whether it be to your house, fence or a feature like a pergola, will help protect it through winter and add value to your most valuable asset."

"Painting in extreme heat or cold can prevent the formation of a good, durable paint film so Easter's moderate temperatures make it an ideal time for exterior painting.

"In fact, to achieve a good looking, long lasting exterior finish, there are four golden rules to follow - paint in the right weather conditions, prepare the surface properly, use the right tools and brushes, and use the right paint for the job."

The Paint Quality Institute recommends painting on days of little wind and when the expected temperature is between 15°C and 30°C. NEVER paint on excessively cold (below 10°C), rainy or very humid days.

To prevent the paint from drying too fast or blistering on hot days, try painting the shady side first and/or cooling the surface with a light spray of water before applying the paint.

All surfaces should be prepared correctly and be free from mildew, dirt, rust and loose peeling paint.

Holes must be filled and bare areas primed with a quality water based or oil

based primer to ensure good adhesion and a quality appearance. Alternatively, a quality acrylic paint that is self priming can be used.

Michael says using the right tools and brushes is also an important rule because it can often mean the difference between a good finish and a great one.

"Good quality equipment lasts longer, helps move the job along more quickly and allows for a smoother and, therefore, more durable, finish."

"The brush should feel well balanced with the bristles packed tightly and tapered to the centre of the brush. We recommend using brushes with synthetic bristles because natural bristles swell when they get damp," adds Michael.

Finally, use the right paint for the job you are doing. In most cases, a top quality acrylic paint is best because it will adhere better, be more flexible and last longer.

Acrylic paints keep their original gloss and colour longer than solvent based enamel paints because they are resistant to our extreme UV conditions. NEVER use an interior paint for an exterior project.