Common Issues for Painting Your House in Winter

Home | Blogs

Painting Company Vancouver | All Star Painting Company

Common Issues for Painting Your House in Winter

Since painting your house in winter can be even more challenging than painting your home in summer, it’s helpful to understand the most common issues with painting your house in winter so that you can prepare for them and avoid them altogether. As long as you keep these issues in mind, you can rest assured that the painting of your house will be completed without any significant complications this winter.

Painting

Stay warm when painting outside

Keep yourself warm when painting outside. It is essential to take precautions for the cold weather, like wearing gloves and long sleeves and staying hydrated with water. If you use a ladder, please ensure it is secured to the ground before climbing up. 

Be careful not to overreach or be too tired while working; these actions could result in a fall. Be aware of any icy patches lurking on your property, and do not use power tools if they have ice on them!

Use the right tools, the right way

In winter, the cold temperatures can make it challenging to paint. Paints don’t stick as well to cold surfaces, and it’s hard to keep the wet paint from freezing or becoming too thick. To address these problems, you’ll need special tools and tips for painting your house in winter. 

For starters, invest in a high-quality exterior primer that will protect your home’s surface and ensure the new coat of paint will adhere to it. You’ll also want a warm space (ideally an unheated garage) where you can paint if it’s below 50 degrees outside.

Do it right the first time

Seal cracks and crevices with caulk or silicone sealant before painting to reduce the amount of paint that will peel off. This will also help seal out drafts and keep your home warmer. 

Be sure to sweep up all debris from the surface of the house before you start painting. This includes leaves, pine needles, and cobwebs. If you don’t clean these surfaces, they can soak up a lot of paint, resulting in peeling. 

Remove any roofing material, such as shingles, that may be loose or need replacing. Cover open chimneys and vent pipes to protect them from overspray. If possible, remove window screens during the painting process, so the overspray does not damage them.

Skip DIY if you are not experienced

DIY painting your house can be time-consuming, expensive, and often less attractive than a professional. You should only consider DIY if you have experience. If you’re still interested, here are some things to keep in mind 

  1. Paint before winter ends – this is the best time because the paint will dry faster.
  2. Leave old paint on windowsills, doors, and wood trim unpainted, so it does not chip off onto new paint.
  3.  Don’t forget about the gutters! They also need a fresh coat of paint so they won’t rust or get damaged by snow buildup during winter.
  4. Consider installing insulation foam around pipes to prevent condensation during winter months – this will help with energy bills too!

Protect your eyes, ears, and fingers

Protecting your eyes, ears, and fingers from the cold is essential for a successful painting day. Wear goggles to protect your eyes from paint splatter, earmuffs or ear warmers to keep your ears warm, and gloves or fingerless mittens to keep your fingers from becoming too cold and stiff. Don’t forget to wear a hat! 

Add additional clothing layers: It can be hard to work up any body heat in winter when you only wear two layers of clothing. Protect yourself from wind chill by wearing long johns under regular clothes. Bundle up in blankets: Take advantage of that fire you’ve wanted all winter by wrapping yourself up in warm blankets before you start your project.

Paint in good company

It is a good idea to paint your house with a company. Though it can be more expensive, the time you save from not having to do the job yourself will be worth it. Plus, if you have any questions, someone should be there to answer them! 

Paint isn’t cheap, so make sure that you buy enough paint for your project- if you only need one gallon of a specific color, don’t buy five gallons just because they are on sale! Ensure that the painted room has been properly cleared of furniture and anything else that might get damaged. If necessary, use tarps or plastic sheeting to cover everything up.

Check the paint color on all surfaces

Make sure to check the color of your paint on all surfaces before proceeding. You may need to buy additional paint or do touch-ups after completing the job. If you’re painting a darker color over a lighter one, it may be worth your time and effort to use a primer first. If you don’t want to prime, then make sure that the two colors are compatible (i.e., don’t use a red over an orange). 

Don’t forget to clean off dirt, grime, and debris from windowsills. Buy extra supplies: Be prepared for anything by purchasing more supplies than necessary. Know how to measure paint: Get into the habit of measuring paints, so they’re mixed at their correct ratio every time. The ratio should be 1 part oil-based primer with 2 parts latex topcoat with 3 parts water. Remove furniture before painting: Moving furniture around is easier if you take it out beforehand!

Quality is key to a good paint job

Quality is key to a good paint job. If you don’t have the right tools or materials, your painting project will be doomed before it even starts. Investing in quality paint and equipment, such as a professional grade roller or sprayer, will produce a better final product. 

It would help if you also kept in mind that some paints require additives for application. It’s essential to research the type of paint you’re using before purchasing it and make sure that it’s compatible with the climate you’re living in. If done correctly, winter painting can provide a fantastic transformation for any house!

Summary

When it comes to painting your house during winter, there are a few common issues that tend to arise. These include not being able to paint the exterior because of cold weather, more time-consuming prep work due to ice, snow, and other debris on the surface, and choosing the right paint for cold weather. Whether you get someone else to do the painting or tackle it yourself, you must be prepared with all the necessary materials like brushes and rags. At All Star Painting Company, we can help you to achieve the paint you want. Contact us today at 604 262 0667 to know more!