Welcome to the W.D. Bryant Hardwarian Blog!
Here is a great tip from one of our experts.
Contrary to popular belief, it actually IS possible to paint during the cold winter months.
W.D. Bryant veteran, Michael Floyd is here to tell you exactly how it works. Michael is currently one of our Paint Specialists and has been at W.D. Bryant for over 11 years!
From Michael:
While it is generally best to wait for warmer weather to paint exterior surfaces, it is good to know that, when necessary, you can still be successful in painting during the colder months.
> Make sure the exterior paint that you are going to use is rated for lower temperatures. Not all exterior paint is rated for cold weather. Many great quality exterior paints are only rated down to 55-degree temperatures. This means that those paints can only be applied when the surface temperature is going to be above and stay above 55 degrees during the duration of the paint drying time. With newer coating technologies we are now able to provide exterior paint that is rated down to 35 degrees. One example is PPG Porter Acri-Shield paint. This exterior paint is rated as paint & primer and is one for excellent adhesion as well as having a 35-degree application rating.
>Colder weather increases drying time. Even paint with extended temperature times will require longer drying times. Therefore, it is important to have an accurate weather
forecast. Plan so that your painting will be done during a time when the temperature will remain above the application specifications as well as no rain in the forecast .This is important even for a couple of days following application because it can often take paint over 24 hours to completely dry in cold weather.
>Use a quality stiffer bristle brush when painting in colder weather. Often the colder weather can cause the paint to be thicker. Stiffer bristle brushes will assist in applying the paint in even coats. Not only should the bristles be stiff, but they should also consist of synthetic bristles. Cold weather rated acrylic paints do not paint well with natural bristle bushes.
>A common question that I often receive in cold weather is, “If my paint has been frozen is it still good?” Modern acrylic water-based paints can often survive a few freezing and thawing cycles. The best way to check your paint is to have it thoroughly mixed. If the paint mixes and produces a normal, smooth viscosity, the paint will still be usable. If, however, the paint does not mix well and is lumpy or has solid content remaining at the bottom of the can the paint is ruined. Do not use paint that is lumpy, as it compromises the paint's ability to stick and dry. In some instances, paint applied in this condition will never fully cure and remain tacky. Come into W.D. Bryant and speak to one of our Paint Dept associates to plan for you cold weather painting success.
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