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Exterior Painting in the Nevada Summer

Trying to get through your summer projects to-do list can be a daunting task, especially if the project means you’ll be in the heat. Summer temperatures can be brutal.  Here in Nevada, especially during July and August, the temperatures can reach well into the nineties.

Exterior painting is one of those trades that is often affected by the weather. Rain, snow, wind, and extreme heat can cause delays or very uncomfortable working conditions. The hotter it gets, the more difficult it is for the paint to bind properly to the surface, which can result in cracking and peeling.

The ideal temperature for painting exterior surfaces is around 70 degrees with 50% humidity. If the humidity increases to 70-80%, it’s going to take the paint longer to dry. But even in the excessive Nevada heat, a quality paint job is attainable.

6 Tips for Painting in Hot Weather

Painting during the summer is possible if you follow some important tips.

  1. Pay Attention to the Forecast!!
    • If it’s going to rain, choose another day to paint. Your painting surface can become moist either by direct contact from the rain or by humidity.
    • After it rains, make sure surfaces to be painted are completely dry.  Painting over damp surfaces is guaranteed to result in a lackluster paint job.
    • Do not paint when it is too windy. Dust and other particles can stick to wet paint. Too much wind can cause the paint to dry too fast and prevent a good film from forming.
    • Take advantage of an overcast day to paint so you do not have to deal with the sun.
    • Avoid the hottest days, like 90 degrees or above. The paint will dry too quickly, ruining the smoothness of the texture.
  2. Protection is Vital.
    • Painters need to be prepared and protected when working during the summer.
    • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
    • Take breaks often in air-conditioned spaces.
    • Cover your head from the sun, wear long-sleeve shirts, and apply sunscreen.
  3. Timing is Important.
    • The sun and heat are the worst from noon to 5 pm. Work early in the morning while it is cool or later in the evening. With daylight being longer during the summertime, you can work a few more hours after 5 pm.
    • Do not paint in direct sunlight. A quality paint job during the summer is dependent on the surface temperature. Direct sunlight can increase surface temps by 10 to 15 degrees above the air temperature.
    • Follow shade around the house so you are not painting the hottest surfaces. Start on the west side of the house, and then workaround to the east side of the property before the hot afternoon sun. 
  4. Use the Best Tools
    • Use the best quality paints, brushes, rollers, and sprayers. This ensures the best possible outcome.
    • A proper roller cover will help maintain a smooth and even finish.
  5. Application
    • Prep the surface to be painted properly.
    • Back rolling on a hot surface can cause the paint to come off if not done correctly.
    • Spraying is one of the best methods for paint application because it helps get the proper thickness of paint on the surface. However, sprayers should not be used when the temperature is above 90 degrees. Only brushes and rollers are effective in those temps.
    • Thin paint responsibly using an extender formulated by the manufacturer to match the carrier in the paint.  Extenders help keep a wet edge longer for a uniform finish after the paint dries.

Common Problems Painting in the Heat

Some issues can occur if you do not follow the directions carefully or apply the paint properly.  The 3 most common problems can be avoided.

  • Lap Marks: Dark areas caused by painting over dried paint.  To avoid lap marks, work quickly and paint in sections small enough so the previously painted area stays wet until you can brush the newly applied paint into it.
  • Brush Marks: These are marks left at the beginning and end of a brush stroke.
  • Drips/Sags: Pay attention to corners and edges where paint can build up or run. Start every brushstroke in an unfinished area or at an edge, or against door or window trim. Then brush toward the finished area and sweep the brush up and off in the same movement.

Don’t Get Overheated

If you are not sure about the ideal conditions for painting, it’s best to call a professional painter. Expert painters at Battle Born Painting can take the heat so you can stay cool. We can handle any interior or exterior paint project during the hot Nevada summers. Give us a call for an estimate on your next project.