Painting in Cold Weather: How Cold is Too Cold for Colorado?
When summer is only a memory and it's time to layer up and snuggle by the fire, you may be thinking about home maintenance – do you need to catch up on some painting that you put off when you were out playing in Colorado's beautiful summer sun? If you're hoping to take advantage of winter days to tackle home maintenance, you may wonder if you can paint when temperatures plummet.
Denver's daytime temperatures in December, January, and February average 46℉. Is that too cold to paint? This article offers expert guidance on what the ideal temperature ranges are for exterior painting in the Front Range, how to understand Colorado's cold weather painting problems and challenges, and when it's just too cold to paint outside in Colorado. We also describe how professional painters can help overcome cold weather painting challenges. So be sure to check out the benefits of professional exterior painting services to know if painting in cold weather is a good idea.
Understanding Cold Weather Painting Challenges in Colorado
What exactly is cold weather painting? Usually, it means painting when the thermometer falls to 50℉ or lower. In Denver and the Front Range, December, January, and February are considered cold weather painting months.
To avoid problems, it's important to understand the challenges of painting in Colorado's cold weather:
Paint quality can be compromised in temperatures under 40℉.
Oil-based and alkyd paints become thickened, making it difficult to apply the paint smoothly and evenly. Thickened paint takes longer to dry and cure in cold weather.
Water-based paints like latex or acrylic will freeze.
On a 75℉ day, latex paint will dry in about 4 hours. On a 50℉ day, it will take 6 hours or more to dry. As the temperature drops, you need to allow more time for the paint to dry before applying the second coat. Oil-based paints can take as much as 48 hours to dry in cold weather.
When paint dries too slowly, it attracts dust, insects, debris, and dirt. This will cause problems when painting the second coat.
Cold temperatures can shorten the life expectancy of the paint.
Paint, whether oil-based or water-based, is formulated to cure within a set amount of time. When the paint can't cure properly, it won't adhere correctly. Bubbling, chipping, peeling, cracking, and color inconsistency are the risks when painting in temperatures that are too cold.
What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Exterior Painting?
If you're planning an exterior paint job in Denver or the Front Range, ideally you should paint and allow for curing when the temps range between 55℉ and 85℉. Painting in the right conditions is important because the paint is formulated to dry and cure within this specific temperature range. Paint can dry too fast when temperatures exceed 90℉, allowing for bubbling and cracking with compromised adhesion. And when temperatures fall below 40℉, the paint takes too long to dry and cure. This also can cause bubbling and cracking, poor adhesion, and a short life span of the paint job.
Well before you paint during cold weather, be sure to check daily weather patterns. You should not only keep an eye on the long-term weather forecast but check websites that describe Denver's long-range cold weather patterns. Professional painters have the experience and expertise to work year-round in Denver and the Front Range – even in cold weather! Check out the pros and cons of DIY vs professional painters if you're considering an exterior paint job in Colorado's winter months.
Potential Painting Problems in Cold Weather
Elevating your home with paint is always a plus. Paint improves curb appeal, adds value to your property, and protects your home from the elements. But if you're going to paint in cold weather, being aware of the challenges can help avoid potential problems.
Longer drying and curing times are one of the biggest challenges. Extended drying times can affect the quality of the paint job. The colder the temperature, the longer it will take for the paint to dry. In freezing temperatures, the paint will freeze upon contact with the surface and prevent the chemicals in the paint from curing and adhering properly. Drying times aren't only affected by temperature. Humidity, wind speed, and wind direction will also affect the length of time it will take the paint to dry.
Avoid painting when daytime temperatures are over 50℉ but night-time temps fall below freezing. The paint won't cure correctly. Moisture can form as soon as the sun sets, absorbing into the paint and causing certain residues to rise to the surface. This not only results in poor adhesion but also in staining. Also, avoid painting if the substrate (the wall material) is freezing even when the air temperature is above 50℉.
Sun also makes a huge difference. The north side of a home versus the south side of a home will have significant air and substrate temperature differences based on sun exposure. Make sure to be aware of the factors as paint won't adhere properly to the cold substrate.
Fine workmanship and top customer service are what you expect from professional painters. In addition, Colorado painting pros understand the potential problems of painting in cold weather and can guide you on the best methods and products to paint your home's exterior.
When Is It Too Cold to Paint Outside in Colorado?
Top manufacturers formulate paints for cold environments. These paints are designed to be applied down to 35℉. But before you plan your project, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for cold-weather painting. These paints are also formulated to be moisture resistant, a problem when painting in cold climates.
However, once the daytime temperature drops to 35℉ or below, you'll need to wait to paint. Waiting will save you a lot of money and stress. If you try to paint in freezing weather, the paint won't adhere. You'll have wasted expensive paint, and your precious time, and your home won't be protected from the elements. Simply put, if you paint when it's below 35℉, you'll face serious problems and your only choice will be to re-prep and repaint when the weather warms.
Why Professional Painters Make a Difference in Cold Weather
What sets professional painters apart is that they have the skills and expertise to paint in cold weather. If you simply can't wait to paint the exterior of your home, contact Singletrack Painting for our advice on cold-weather painting.
At Singletrack, we're not only painting pros but because we work and play in Denver and the Front Range, we're also weather pros. We know how to work around challenging weather and use cold-weather techniques that will ensure the success of a beautiful, long-lasting paint job. Ready to paint your home's exterior? Contact Singletrack today!
