When you want to repaint the interior of your home, the best season to do the work is in the winter.
Although you can change the look of each room during any season, winter comes with some unique advantages.
- You know that the temperatures won’t exceed the maximum while your HVAC system keeps the indoors above the minimum for curing.
- Less humidity is in the environment, allowing for the product to set appropriately.
- You’ll be more productive since it won’t be too hot or cold while working.
Paint dries noticeably faster in the winter because of the lower humidity levels, which means you receive a better result.
If you’re interested in getting some home remodeling work finished this winter, here are some tips to follow to maximize your investment.
1. Prepare for the Paint Job
It’s crucial to take the time to prep your materials and space for the work you’ll be doing. Taking the time to complete this step reduces costly mistakes while letting you spend more time painting.
The first step is to make sure all surfaces are clean. Painting over dust or dirt will not leave a pleasant finish.
Once you’ve completed that work, it helps to place drop cloths on your furniture, surface protection boards on floors and counters, and painter’s tape on baseboards, receptacles, and similar spaces. Masking film works well on windows.
2. Start at the Top
It can feel overwhelming to start working in a large room. Many people start from the bottom up because it feels like an easier way to get a few things finished right away.
It would be best if you started in the opposite direction. If you paint the ceiling first, you will find it much easier to fix mistakes that happen, including splatter. When you go up from the floor, you’ll need to correct each error as it happens.
3. Try to Paint with Even Strokes
It is usually easier to paint a large space with a roller. Using extension poles will speed up the project, ensuring that you receive an even and smooth surface.
The way you paint with your equipment will dictate how well the work goes for you. It helps to cover the entire roller with paint before beginning, taking the time to remove excess product to avoid drips.
Follow the same pattern with the roller to get an even finish. Most people use an “M” or “W” shape. Fill in the unpainted spaces without lifting the equipment from the wall. It helps to use brushes for the detail work, especially around the trim.
4. Let the Paint Dry
It’s tempting to apply the second coat of paint right away when you’re remodeling a room. Unless the surface is 100% dry, you won’t be getting as many benefits from the work as you think. If you want to speed up the drying process, it helps to open the windows to let some airflow through the house.
Even then, it might not be wise to expedite the process. Open windows create the chance for debris and dust to settle in the wet paint. If you have screens that can stop this issue from happening, the winter air can dry it remarkably fast.
All oil-based paints need at least 24 hours to dry before applying the next coat. Latex products are usually ready in 4-6 hours, even when a primer is included with the mix.
5. Finish the Clean Up Work
Once you have the room painted in the color you prefer, it is time to stand back and admire your efforts.
It’s also the moment when you need to work on getting everything cleaned up so that you can enjoy your new space!
Latex paint can get washed out of most brushes with some warm water and soap. Don’t let the material go down your sink drain or seep into the groundwater supply. It might be helpful to use a formal wash-out system to ensure you comply with local regulations.
With oil-based paint, you’ll need to use a solvent or thinner to remove it. Dispose of the materials in an approved area.
If you have leftover paint, store it in an appropriate area to ensure that you can handle future touch-up needs with your walls! Although the garage is a logical choice, you’ll want to think about the temperature requirements of your product.
Winter is the perfect season for painting. If you need any help getting your project started, give our team a call today!
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