You’ve been looking at that faded and weathered paint all winter; it’s time to do something about it. Despite what you’ve heard, summer is the best time of year for home exterior painting. The experts at Fillo Painting are here to tell you why.
Watching Paint Dry
The main reason why is simply because the paint dries faster. Summer is the best time because of the lower levels of humidity in the air. Humidity in the spring will cause paint to dry unevenly. In winter and fall, water molecules in the paint are tightly condensed. Therefore, not only is it harder to get an even coat, but paint will also take longer to dry even in full sun. There are also a number of safety hazards associated with painting your home in colder weather. For example, parts of Georgia actually saw snow last year. This excess moisture makes for slippery footing and the potential for painting over a wet surface. This is not a problem in dry summers. If your exterior walls need repair, an application of stucco will help to repair holes and cracks. Like paint, stucco also dries best in warmer climates. Water evaporation from materials like paint and stucco is essential to ensure their color, performance, and longevity.
Types of Exterior Paint
There are two basic types of exterior paint. Water-based latex paint is the most popular for several reasons. It dries fast and cleans up easily with just soap and water. Latex paint is more resistant to extreme changes in temperature and, therefore, more durable. Solvent-based, or oil-based paints, take longer to dry but can be removed with turpentine or paint thinner. Be mindful of what kind of paint you have on your home already. Latex cannot be applied over an oil-based coating. An expert can determine what type of paint you have on your home and what type is best for your next coat.
Painting 101
It is important to stay hydrated and wear loose clothing when you are painting in the summer. Always wear sunscreen to protect your skin and UV sunglasses to protect your eyes from paint splatter and harmful UV rays. Start by painting walls that are in the shade first, then work your way around the exterior of your home as the sun moves across the sky. By doing this, you reduce the amount of time you are exposed to the sun. Use the right ladder for your roof and one that is rated for your weight. Always position ladders on level ground and ask someone to spot you. Wear the proper shoes and gloves when climbing on roofs. Keep an eye on the weather and never work in overcast or stormy conditions. Use heavy duty rollers that hold a lot of paint. This will ensure that paint gets into all the nooks and crannies, however, experts suggest at least two coats for an even finish.
The experts at Fillo Painting don’t mind getting their hands dirty and guarantee that you will love your new paint job. For more information on home exterior painting, trust the professionals.