Secrets to a successful winter paint
Kylie Klein-Nixon looks at the whys and wherefores of refreshing your house with a lick of paint during the coldest season.
No-one would paint their home in winter – that’s just asking for trouble. Not only is it too cold for the paint to properly cure and dry, but the days aren’t long enough to get much work done – that’s even without factoring in rain, wind and other seasonal weather issues.
Painting a door or window? Forget it. Who wants to leave a door or window open on a winter’s day? Even indoor painting isn’t a great idea in the greyest of seasons. Right?
Well, it might not be the easy option, but there are ways around the problems of painting in winter that can make it work.
Is it possible to paint in winter or should we just avoid it?
Yes, you can, but it is best to start later in the morning to allow what you’re painting – what the professionals call the substrate – to dry off and heat up before you start painting.
‘‘Some substrates, like concrete and plaster, are slow to warm up and can have a surface temperature well below room- or air temperature,’’ says Resene painting expert Jay Sharples.
‘‘You can help speed up this process by sponging or wiping off any moisture.
‘‘You also need to finish earlier in the day to allow the paint time to dry before the dew point – when things start to really cool down – hits. We suggest having shorter lunch breaks to maximize the window in which they can apply paint.’’
As a guide, try painting from 10am until 3pm, but also try to follow the sun around and avoid finishing on the coldest part of the building.
Some paint brands have winter-grade options or additives that will let you paint in low temperatures, down to 2 degrees Celsius. Some will make waterborne paints shower resistant after 10-15 minutes, which will help you manage in changing weather situations.
‘‘So if you do get caught out with a quick, light shower, the paint won’t get washed off the walls.’’
What jobs are best for the season?
It’s good to have a mix of interior and exterior work as even during winter there are some warm sunny days as well as a lot of wet days, says Sharples.
Exterior work is likely to take a little longer. Interior work can still be affected by the weather, you will need to look at heating and air flow.
Painting under eaves, inside window sills and kitchen cupboard doors are good, as are refreshing skirting boards, or even painting the ceiling. Small touch-ups are also achievable.
‘‘Whether working inside or out, you have to plan and consider the conditions,’’ says Sharples.
‘‘Even during winter you may need a hot weather additive if the heating is on. Particularly modern heat pumps, which might be dehumidifying, as well as heating.’’
What should we be wary of?
This is a big one: check the forecast.
‘‘Be wary of not finishing early enough and pushing it too late in the day, too.
‘‘If the temp drops and the dew point hits you could find your paint on the floor or ground in the morning rather than the wall.
‘‘As long as you plan accordingly, and stick to painting in the middle of the day, most jobs can be completed,’’ Sharples says.
His top tip: ‘‘If your clothes won’t dry on the line or clotheshorse, then your paint won’t dry either.’’
How important is ventilation?
Short answer: very. Paint won’t dry in a cold, damp environment and you need to look at heating and airflow.
A fan heater and a fan will make all the difference, says Sharples.
‘‘Turn the fan heater on for half an hour or so before you start painting. Close the door but don’t let it get to warm, aim for 18-22 degrees, just warm the room up before you start.
‘‘Most of the dry time information on our paint pails is based on 18 degrees, so if it is colder than that the time will increase, you need to bear that in mind when over-coating, take your time and don’t push it too late in the day.’’
■ How do you ensure you’ve picked a colour that will work all year around if you’re choosing it in winter?
I’m waiting on the colour consultants to get back to me.
■ What are some practical tips for a winter paint job?
Plan your day, think about your start and finish times, consider the weather/temperature and, if you need to use Resene Wintergrade additive, don’t take the risk and push too late in the day.