Check The
Weather Before You Paint AT Easter
Although the weather often
seems unpredictable, with the cold and wet of winter just around the corner,
Easter is probably your last chance to paint the outside of your home.
According
to Stephen Borrie, Paint Quality Institute Manager, Australia and New Zealand,
the Easter weather usually makes it a perfect time to paint.
“As
well as checking that you have the right brushes, rollers, sandpaper and other
tools, it’s vital that you check the weather forecast before you start
painting", he said.
“Painting
in extreme heat or cold can prevent the formation of a good, durable paint film
so Easter’s usually moderate temperatures make it an ideal time for exterior
painting.?/font>
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.
If
the paint is applied when the temperature is too low, the microscopic particles
in the paint’s binder will not fuse together to form the tough, continuous
paint film that protects the surface underneath.
Ideally,
you should not paint unless the temperature is predicted to stay above the
minimum for the next 36 hours.
Remember
too that the recommended temperature includes not only the air temperature but
also that of the surface to be painted.
In
the cold of the early morning it is preferable to avoid painting the side of the
house that is in shadow because the surface will be too cold.
Paint
durability can also be affected if it dries too quickly.
To
prevent the paint from drying too fast or blistering on very hot days, it is
best to avoid painting in direct sunlight because the surface temperature can be
5°C to 10°C higher than the air temperature.
Try
painting the shady side first and/or cooling the surface with a light spray of
water before applying the paint. By painting in the shade you will not only get
a better result but you’ll also find it more comfortable to work!
If
it should rain just before you are about to start painting that doesn’t
necessarily mean you have an excuse to stop work for the day.
Once
the surface has dried so that it is not visibly wet, water based acrylic paints
can be applied. On the other hand, you’ll have to wait until the surface is
completely dry if you are using oil based paints.
Even
if the day is moderately warm, avoid painting if it is windy. The wind not only
causes water based paint to dry too quickly it can also create dust that will
ruin your paint job.
So,
what are the ideal conditions for painting?
?
An ideal painting day has a temperature of between 15°C and 30°C, humidity of
between 20% and 80%, little or no wind and a slightly overcast sky,?said
Stephen Borrie.
?
With a bit of luck, Easter will provide these ideal conditions.?o:p>
