NEWS

Thursday 30th November 2023

If You're Thinking of Painting Outside, BEWARE!

Introduction:
As the seasons change and cooler weather sets in, the task of painting your property demands careful consideration and planning. Applying paint or coatings during damp or cold temperatures requires precautions and common sense to ensure the success of the project. This guide provides comprehensive advice on factors such as substrate temperature, the properties of the paint, humidity levels, and specific product recommendations for cooler conditions.

1. Substrate Temperature:
In cooler months, the temperature of the surface you are painting (substrate) becomes crucial. Unlike in warmer seasons, direct sunlight is beneficial during colder weather, as it elevates surface temperatures into the safe range (15°C +). Plan your painting between 10:00 am and 14:00 pm when temperatures are more favourable. Be mindful that in winter, floors and metal surfaces may be colder than the air, requiring heating systems to be used to raise temperatures for optimal application.

If the surface is porous, it should be checked for residual dampness using a moisture meter. If moisture exceeds 5%, DO NOT proceed with painting.

2. The Paint or Coating:
As temperatures drop, the viscosity of the coating increases, affecting its flow during application. Storing the paint in a warm place or gently warming it before use can counter this issue. However, adding thinners may reduce the coating's durability. Ensure water-borne coatings are not exposed to freezing temperatures during transportation or storage, as irreparable damage may occur. Additionally, avoid applying paint if temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing the first night after application, as this can lead to future issues like blisters.

3. Humidity:
Relative humidity is a critical factor in the curing process. While the ideal relative humidity is 50%, levels exceeding 70% can affect curing times and lead to surfactant leaching, visible as discolouration on the paint's surface. Conversely, low humidity can cause the paint to dry too quickly, potentially resulting in blistering.

4. Exterior Painting in Damp Weather:
When dealing with damp conditions, our High Build Multi-Surface Paint A1040 is recommended. It offers showerproof protection in as little as 15 minutes and tolerates light rain for 30-40 minutes. This paint is suitable for various surfaces and conditions, making it a versatile option for exterior projects during damp weather. NOTE: damp is NOT wet!

A1040 is suitable for application to Plastisol coatings, cement rendering, concrete, K-Rend, Texcote, Brickwork, Aqua Board, Wooden or Cementitious Soffit boards, plus a broad spectrum of other surfaces such as Powder Coating, previously painted Metal, Metal Cladding and Timber surfaces when used with a suitable primer. It can also be used as a floor finish in low traffic situations. A1040 is available in a fine or medium Anti-Slip finish for floors.

Also available and suitable for use in damp conditions is our Acrylated Rubber, Damp Tolerant & Chemical Resistant Paint R1007. A fast drying, single pack paint which has mild resistance to a wide range of chemicals, this paint is easy to apply by brush, roller, or spray. Suitable for use in damp or humid environments and is ideally suited for application in swimming pool enclosures, pool structures, and pool halls on moisture resistant surfaces.

R1007 provides mild resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, inorganic salts, mineral oil, and water. Ideally suited for application to general industrial situations, plant machinery, moist conditions, and damp environments such as swimming pool ceilings, changing areas and plant rooms. Can be used in areas of high humidity such as launderettes, dry-cleaners, veterinary clinics, milking parlours, stables, kennels, and catteries. Can be painted on to wood, asbestos and on various metals via a suitable primer.

Final Advice:
Always check the local weather forecast in advance. If the surface is wet with dew, do not proceed, and never wipe it dry before painting. Be cautious of 'Cold Bloom' in fast-drying products and avoid painting in extremely hot weather. For indoor projects in cool or wet weather, be mindful of ventilation to prevent importing cold moist air. Each of our products has an associated Technical Data Sheet, available on our website, providing specific details for optimal application in cooler weather. Consider leaving projects for warmer weather, when planning and management can make a significant difference in the success of your project.

For Spring projects, now is the perfect time to plan external maintenance that require more major repairs and attention ahead of any investment of time in painting. Concrete repairs, wood and metal replacement, gutters, downpipes and roofing etc., will all take time to properly prepare ahead of painting. Our Technical Team have experienced the complete range of variables throughout the seasons in over 70 years of trading! Please draw on this knowledge by contacting us on 01202 295570 or email us HERE.

Our paint range is extremely comprehensive and we hope our website will help you identify the right product for your project. If you do require assistance, please email or call our Technical Department; we will also endeavour to solve your requirements if a paint, or a surface to be painted is not included on our website. Please read our PAINT PREPARATION GUIDE before calling.