What You Need to Know About Painting During the Winter

Do not let the cold weather put your house painting plans on hold. While painting the exterior of your home during the winter may not be recommended, there are far fewer potential issues to consider when painting indoors in cold weather. If you have a sudden urge to spruce up your living space with a coat of new paint, then by all means, go for it! 

If you do not feel comfortable doing the work yourself, hire experienced professional painters to help make your vision a reality. However, if you are willing and able to tackle the project yourself, here are some helpful winter painting tips and important points to keep in mind. 

Your Spending Budget Will Be Higher

It is no secret that some kinds of oil-based paint give off unpleasant odors, and proper ventilation is key to maintaining good indoor air quality. With the windows open and the cold air coming in, you may be tempted to set your thermostat higher to keep your home warm. As this can cause your energy bills to increase, we recommend keeping the extra expense in mind if you intend to paint during the colder months. 

However, choosing a less toxic type of paint can reduce fumes and save you money on energy costs. Look for any brand that sells low-VOC paint, which has reduced levels of volatile organic compounds. By using low-VOC paint, you can avoid leaving your windows open in inclement weather, saving you more money in the long run. 

Paint Dries Faster Because of Low Humidity

During the winter, there is no need to wait a long time for your paint to dry before you can return your living room or bedroom to normal. Painting projects are likely to be accomplished much more quickly during the colder months. Even though it can be a lot chillier in the winter months, paint dries faster due to the lower levels of humidity. 

Timing Matters

The perfect time to paint in winter is during the late morning and early afternoon. Colder seasons have shorter days with fewer warm sunlight hours. Paint takes longer to properly cure when the air temperature drops. 

A longer cure time can cause problems with the final look of your paint job. Keep in mind that the ideal temperature for the paint to dry beautifully is roughly 70℉. 

To better understand the importance of timing, note how professionals tend to stop painting long before the sun sets to ensure that the paint dries properly. Always check the forecast to know when the sun sets and the temperature will begin to drop. 

Remember to Store Your Paint in a Warm Area

One of the worst things you can do for your paint is store it in a cold environment. Freezing will alter its consistency, leading it to become lumpy and uneven.

Texture abnormalities can result in a lackluster finish and a disappointing end result. Be sure to store your paint inside. Garages and basement storage areas tend to be ideal places. 

Call to Speak With Experienced Painters Today

If you are searching for professional painters to revitalize your living space, contact us via phone at 303-449-3249 or reach us via our online form . 

Jacobsen Brothers Painting is one of the leading paint experts in Boulder, Colorado. We offer services ranging from standard paint jobs to expert advice on various types of paint finishes.