It’s tricky to do exterior painting at any time of the year, but it’s even more so when you’re painting in the summer. You might already know that the most ideal weather for painting is when the temperature is about 70 degrees F with a humidity level at about 50%. However, we all know that we cannot possibly control the weather, so the next best thing is to plan ahead as much as possible and heed the following tips, suggestions, and guidelines for exterior painting in the summer:
Tips for Painting in the Summer
Try to paint in the early morning or late evening, because temperatures are cooler at these points in the day. Think ahead and consider whether or not you may need to get on the roof for any reason. Be sure to do your work on the roof first thing in the morning, before the shingles get incredibly hot.
Don’t try painting when the surface at hand is sitting in direct sunlight. It’s the surface temperature that will affect the results of your paint job, and not so much just the air temperature. Surfaces sitting in the sun can be up to 15-20 degrees hotter than if they were in the shade.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast; don’t paint before or after it rains, because it will ruin the finish of the paint. On extremely hot days, don’t paint at all. Excessive heat can make the paint dry too quickly and ruin the smoothness of the finished texture.
Be sure not to paint on days when the wind is blowing. Dust and debris, including everything from small rocks to leaves to dirt, can be blown to the wet paint and stick to it.
If you see that it’s going to be overcast, try to plan to work longer that day. The more painting you get done on overcast days, the less you’ll have to do on the bright, hotter, sunny days.
Be sure to use the best quality paints and materials available so that you have the best chance of achieving the best outcome. High quality exterior paints are made to withstand various weather conditions and elements.
When the weather is at its hottest and most humid, be sure to double the drying time for your first coat of paint before you apply a second coat. If you apply a second coat too soon, the paint can peel off as your roller moves over it. This happens because of the excess moisture underneath that first coat.
With some due diligence on your part, a constant eye on the weather forecast, and premium paints and materials, it is possible to finish painting in the summer with excellent results. However, with so many factors playing a significant role in the final outcome of your exterior painting in the summer, you may want to consider leaving all the work to the pros at Freeland Painting. This way, you’re guaranteed to have the job finished with results you’ll love for many years to come.
