Painting in winter or summer is an excellent way to transform a living space quickly. A fresh coat of paint reinvigorates and redefines any area of the home. It’s also a convenient and inexpensive way to achieve major results in a short time.
Many people take on home improvement projects during the spring and summer months, but leaving the painting project for winter offers several advantages. As top residential painting experts in Woodstock, A&P Contractors provides a few tips below for successful interior painting projects this winter.
Why is Painting in Winter a Good Idea?
It is true; experts like A&P Contractors recommend interior paint projects for winter rather than in the warmer seasons. Paint dries faster and smoother when there is less humidity, and these moisture levels are typically at their highest during the summer. Most locations have drier air in winter, which means that paint is less likely to crack or peel and will stick to the walls more effectively.
It is always a good idea to help paint dry well; it creates a smooth and smudge-free appearance on the walls or ceilings. Delaying interior painting projects until the springtime is unhelpful and brings other complications.
Seven Tips on How to Get the Best Results with Painting
Painting in winter brings great benefits. Below, A&P Contractors explores some essential tips for getting the best results and a paint job that lasts.
#1 Preparation is Key
It is imperative to prepare the space and materials adequately for successful paint jobs. Thorough preparation will prevent costly mistakes and protect all surfaces and furniture.
- Before applying a coat of paint to walls or another surface, be sure to clean and dry them first. Use a cloth to remove dust, dirt, and other particles from the surface so that you’re working with a smooth canvas.
- Use old sheets to cover furniture and floors.
- Surface protection boards are excellent at shielding hard surfaces like countertops.
- Masking film or painter’s tape keeps the baseboards, doors, windows, and sockets paint-free.
#2 Don’t Forget the Primer
Paint and primer combinations are popular because applying a solid base coat saves a considerable amount on the overall project. A paint-primer combination product is an excellent choice on a smooth and clean surface, but walls do not always escape the flaws that come with years of wear and tear. If it has been several years since the surface has seen a fresh coat of paint, prime it separately; use bonding primer for particularly challenging surfaces.
#3 Paint the Ceiling and Walls First, Then Trim
Painting a room in the correct order is important if you do not want to be wasting paint or, worse, dripping and splattering it all over the place. Start with the ceiling, move to the walls, and then paint the trim. If you are planning to paint the floors, do that section last.
#4 Box the Paint
Painting in winter makes it far easier to keep the color consistent, and “boxing” the paint helps with this aspect of the project considerably. This term is what professionals use to describe pouring all the paint into a big container and mixing it to perfect color consistency. Experts like A&P Contractors will be able to provide a realistic estimate of how much paint it will take to cover the space so that you can purchase it in bulk.
#5 Paint from Top to Bottom
Use a brush or roller to apply the paint, moving from the ceilings down to the baseboards in a fluid motion. Painting downward ensures that the brush covers any mistakes or missed spots. However, keep in mind that repainting already dry areas may cause color streaks and other marks; rather, go over it while it is still wet.
#6 Invest in Quality Brushes and Rollers
Spending money on high-quality paint brings great results but do not go the cheap route when it comes to the application. Premium brushes and rollers are well worth the investment, providing efficient coverage so that you don’t have to waste time or effort repainting areas. High-quality rollers and brushes need a lot less pressure; the applicators do all the work for you.
If it is a large area, a roller is typically faster than a brush.
#7 Give the Paint Adequate Time to Dry
Drying is a crucial part of the process; do not rush it! Once our experts finish painting a room, applying that second coat of paint is tempting, but our experience has proven how important it is to let the first one dry completely. Depending on the ambient temperature, it could take between twenty-four and forty-eight hours, whether painting in winter or summer.
It is possible to speed up the process by opening windows to increase the airflow, but every type of paint will dry at a different rate. For example, low-VOC paints dry faster and may allow time to apply a second coat within a few hours. Oil-based paints take up to a day to dry, whereas it is usually possible to apply a second coat of latex-based paint after four to six hours.
Professional Painting Services from A&P Contractors
A professional interior painting contractor like A&P Contractors completes a flawless and professional job with precision, high-quality tools, and proven techniques. When you work with our skilled team, you can expect clean lines without chips or flakes. We know what type of paint to use for long-lasting results, and our painting experts are always available to help you learn more about interior painting services.
If you are preparing for exterior painting projects, painting in winter is a great idea—call A&P Contractors at 470-300-9060 today for details about our services in the area.
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