Get Painting While The Sun Still Shines

Now is the time to remind your customers that Easter is probably the last chance they'll have for exterior painting before the cold and wet of winter sets in.

"Many DIY painters don't know that the weather can affect the quality and long term performance of their exterior paint job," said Michael Beresford, Paint Quality Institute Manager, Asia Pacific Region.

"Now is the time to remind your customers that Easter's moderate temperatures make it an ideal time for painting and they should start planning their exterior painting projects.

"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."

Painting in the extremes of heat, cold or wind can prevent the formation of a good, durable paint film. The Paint Quality Institute recommends painting on days of little wind and when the temperature is between 15°C and 30°C.

If the weather is excessively cold (below 10°C), rainy or very humid, the Institute strongly advises against painting exteriors at all. In those conditions, it is time to recommend that customers concentrate on painting inside the home!

On really hot days, high temperatures can cause acrylic paints to evaporate too quickly, preventing the proper formation of the paint's protective film and causing faults such as blistering.

Tips you can pass on for a quality paint job on a warm day include:

• Avoid painting in direct sunlight;
  
• Paint on the shady side of the house first, then move to the next section in shade; and
  
• Cool warm surfaces with a light spray of water before applying the paint.
  

People who don't paint regularly also forget that good preparation is essential.

All surfaces should be prepared correctly and 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.

Customers who can see the value of a quality paint job should also be encouraged to purchase quality painting tools.

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

Finally, it's often your expertise as a paint retailer that ensures customers choose the right paint for the job.

The Institute has found that top quality acrylic paints are the best recommendation because they keep their original gloss and colour longer than solvent based enamels and are resistant to extreme UV conditions.

They not only adhere better, are more flexible and last longer than lower quality products but are most likely to result in a higher level of customer satisfaction…and fewer comebacks!

The Paint Quality Institute is an independent organisation that provides global and local expertise about paint and painting to retailers, consumers and painting contractors.

If you want to know more about painting, a virtual encyclopaedia of painting and decorating information for paint retailers can be found on the Paint Quality Institute's website at www.paintquality.com