Painting Tips

Periodically, our Technical Director publishes "Lab Notes" to include technical and practical information about paint and paint application. If you would like more technical information, or to speak with a sales representative, fill out the request form or email us.

Hot Weather Painting

Satisfactory painting in hot weather and high humidity can sometimes be difficult. Certain steps can be taken to minimize the effect of these conditions.

Temperatures exceeding 90°F will often cause paint to dry too fast. "Dry-rolling" will be accentuated with these higher temperatures. Ceilings and walls can "wick in" the resin quickly, resulting in higher loading of pigment on the surface, resembling "track marks." A proper primer beneath the topcoat will help the resin to remain on the surface, resulting in a longer "wet-edge" and more flow. Proper roller cover selection, allowing smooth film application will also help. A rough roller cover will yield a rough finish. Roller covers like the Wooster "Pro-Dooz" work well with many Bennette paints, helping to eliminate uneven application.

Interior drafts with high temperatures can also be a problem. Reduce the draft in hallways to slow the dry down.

Exterior paint application during hot weather may also require special steps to minimize the effect of high temperatures and humidity. Proper primer selection will also benefit the topcoat, allowing less resin to be "wicked-in" to the substrate. Painting substrates that are dry and free of dew or condensation is essential.

After the sun dries a side, painting can occur, following the sun around the dwellings. Painting in direct sunlight can be a problem if temperatures exceed 90°F. The paint can dry on the surface before thorough dry can occur, resulting in wrinkles.

Painting should cease with sufficient time for the coating to dry approximately 2 hours before sunset. This will help eliminate dew or condensation from "striking in" to the new film, resulting in uneven gloss.

These steps along with a commonsense approach to "summer painting" will help minimize problems often associated with hot weather.