Painting in Hot Weather: A How To

This time, we thought we’d focus on how to paint your exterior in summer. Central Texas is known for its warmer climate. From April to October, the heat is on.

Since paint is usually made with water, there can be a potential problem for house painting in these extreme temperatures – think drying up.

Painting in Hot Weather

 

Some experts say that the ideal temperature for painting is around 70 degrees with humidity at or near 50%. Remember that the temperature for application is actually based on the surface, not the thermometer.

Finding Shade and Experts

Certain parts of the house, especially those in the sun, will be hotter than those in the shade. So, it’s best to paint in the shade obviously.

An expert like 21st Century knows the ins and outs of painting in this kind of weather and should be consulted to do the job properly. You don’t want streaks and bubbles all over your house.

Paint in the Morning

Back to the blog at hand. Another good idea is to paint in the early part of the morning, usually before 10 am. Try to avoid painting when it’s the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest. Provided that conditions allow you to continue painting, do so after the hottest part of the day is over such as late afternoon or two hours before sunset. This will allow the coating to dry sufficiently before dew or condensation sets in. Either way, you should still follow the shady areas of the area you’re painting.

Additional Tips

Some tips you may need when painting in the heat include:

• Paint dries too fast in the heat. Use a proper primer on the surface, beneath the topcoat, to ensure an even finish and allow resin to remain on the surface. This results in a longer ‘wet’ edge. Using a proper roller cover will also help you maintain a smooth and even finish.
• The areas around stucco cracks and gaps when caulking is applied will expand and can get tighter. Sometimes, they almost disappear when it’s hot.
• Spray and back rolling would be considered the best method for paint application. This is because rolling alone will rarely get the proper thickness of paint on the surface. It’s important to note that back rolling on a hot surface can cause paint to come off if not done correctly.
• The rapid acceleration of the paint curing process can result in wrinkles and bubbles in the paint. Improper adhesion leads to a paint system failure.
• Afternoon thunderstorms could cause spotting or rain to slide off onto other surfaces like decks, patios, pools and porches.
• Dehydration and heat stroke are major concerns for the painter. Make sure the painter covers his or her head and takes sufficient water breaks.

With a little know-how and a lot of care, painting can be accomplished beautifully even in hot weather.  Get an estimate request today and we, at 21^st Century Painting and Roofing will be happy to get back to you quickly.