Winter Painting Projects and Tips for Painting in Cold Weather
Despite what you may have heard, you really can paint in winter. Don’t let cold weather hold you back! In fact, there are many reasons that winter is a great time for painting projects, including:
1. Low Humidity
Winter air is generally drier, especially indoors with heating systems running. This low humidity can help paint dry faster and reduce the chances of bubbles or imperfections caused by moisture.
2. Cozy Time Indoors
We tend to spend more time inside during the winter, making it a great time to refresh interior spaces and improve the ambiance of your home.
3. Holiday Preparation
Painting before the holiday season can give your home a fresh look, perfect for hosting family and friends. Just don’t go too festive with your color choices, or you might regret it when the holidays are over and the decorations come down.
4. Better Deals
Many paint stores offer discounts during the winter, as demand is usually lower. This can make winter a more budget-friendly time to tackle painting projects
5. Consistent Temperature Control
Indoor environments are easier to control with heating systems, ensuring the temperature remains optimal for paint application and curing. (We’ll discuss outdoor projects below.)
6. Less Ventilation Needed
Although ventilation is still necessary, winter air can help with airflow if you crack open windows for short periods. Modern low-VOC paints also reduce the need for extensive ventilation, making winter painting more comfortable.
7. Availability of Professionals
Painters and contractors are often more available in the winter, making it easier to schedule your projects.
8. Preparation for Spring
Completing painting projects during the winter frees up time for other projects and activities in the spring.
With all that said, there are specific challenges and considerations to keep in mind. Read on to make sure you know what you’re getting into.
Factors to Consider
1. Temperature
Oil-based paints typically require temperatures above 45°F (7°C) for proper application and curing, while latex or water-based paints usually need temperatures above 50°F (10°C). Colder temperatures can cause paint to thicken, making it harder to apply and affecting adhesion and curing times. This is more of a factor when painting outside, although that can be done on milder winter days. Inside projects are much more feasible, so long as you keep the area warm enough.
2. Humidity
As mentioned above, winter often brings lower humidity, which can be good for paint drying. On the other hand, indoor heating can create overly dry conditions that can affect the paint’s finish. For this reason, consider painting during the warmest times of day, when your heat doesn’t need to work quite as hard. A humidifier can also help create the right atmosphere for painting.
3. Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial when painting indoors, especially in winter, when windows are often closed. Use fans or briefly open windows to ensure good air circulation and reduce fumes.
4. Surface Preparation
Surfaces should be dry and free of frost or condensation, since moisture can prevent paint from adhering properly. Make sure to wipe down walls to remove dust, grease, and dirt, and fill any holes and cracks, and sand down rough areas to create a smooth surface.
What Paints to Use in Cold Weather
Wherever you’re painting in winter, it's essential to choose the right type of paint. Here’s a guide to the best paints for cold weather and why they work well:
1. Acrylic Latex Paints
Acrylic latex paints are water-based and known for their flexibility and durability. They perform well in cooler temperatures compared to traditional latex paints. Many can be applied in temperatures as low as 35°F (1.7°C). Always check the label for specific temperature recommendations.
2. Oil-Based Paints
Oil-based paints offer excellent adhesion and durability, making them a solid choice for exterior surfaces in cooler weather. They generally require temperatures above 45°F (7°C) during application, but some formulations are designed for even cooler conditions.
3. Cold Weather-Specific Paints
These specially formulated paints are designed to maintain flexibility and dry properly in temperatures as low as 35°F (1.7°C) or even lower. Some examples include Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald® Exterior Acrylic Latex and Benjamin Moore’s Regal® Select Exterior High Build.
4. Enamel Paints
Enamel paints, especially those formulated for outdoor use, offer a hard, glossy finish that holds up well in cold conditions. Their temperature range varies, but are generally recommended for temperatures above 40°F (4°C).
5. Epoxy Paints
Epoxy paints are known for their strong adhesion and durability, making them suitable for surfaces exposed to extreme conditions, making them great for garage floors and more industrial settings. Some formulations are designed for cooler temperatures, but they generally require a more controlled environment.
Choosing Colors for Your Winter Projects
Once you know what type of paint you want to use, you still need to choose your colors. The easiest way to do that is with mess-free peel-and-stick samples from Samplize. Here’s how it works.
Step One: Choose Your Samples
Enjoy browsing our huge selection of paint colors from leading brands, including Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Farrow & Ball. You can go with one of our color bundles, choose from our curated collections, or handpick a stack of samples on your own. Finish your order, and your samples will arrive on your doorstep the very next day.
Step Two: Peel and Stick
Your samples will be painted (not printed) with two coats of real paint, ensuring 100% accuracy. Start by testing one sample in an inconspicuous spot that’s clean and free of debris. Once you’ve tried one sample, feel free to stick on various colors side by side.
Step Three: Dream, Debate, Decide
Take note of how each color performs at various times of day. Get a second and even third opinion. Sleep on it. If, after all that, you’re not in love with one color, just repeat steps one and two until you find the perfect hue for your project.
Ready to Start?
Painting in wintertime is a great way to refresh your home and get ready for springtime. Whether you plan to brave the outdoors or transform an indoor space, start by finding the perfect colors right here.
