July 2025

A person on a ladder paints a house trim with a brush, while a small paint bucket hangs nearby against a bright blue sky.
Uncategorized

Why Painting Early Beats the Summer Heat

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Painting in the summer isn’t just about choosing a sunny day. It’s about choosing the right time of day. When the temperature rises, surfaces like siding, decks, or fences absorb and hold heat. These surfaces can easily become too hot to paint on safely, even if the air still feels manageable. Professional painters often begin their work early in the morning. At this time, both air and surface temperatures are lower, which allows the paint to go on smoothly and dry evenly. When paint is applied to a surface that’s too hot, it can dry too fast or not stick well, leading to peeling, bubbling, or cracking. Professional painters often begin their work early in the morning. At this time, both air and surface temperatures are lower, which allows the paint to go on smoothly and dry evenly. When paint is applied to a surface that’s too hot, it can dry too fast or not stick well, leading to peeling, bubbling, or cracking. The early hours also provide more consistent shade. Midday sun shifts angles and can cause uneven drying, especially if some parts of a wall are shaded while others are in direct sunlight. Uneven drying leads to patchy color or texture. Planning painting jobs around cooler hours isn’t just a best practice—it’s a necessity for a long-lasting, professional-looking result.

A worker in paint-splattered clothing sprays a house's upper exterior while perched on a roof, with tools and a hose nearby.
Exterior Painting Services

Understanding Heat Index and Worker Safety

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The heat index is a measurement that combines air temperature with humidity to show how hot it feels. For example, when it’s 90°F with 65% humidity, the heat index can reach 103°F. That’s especially dangerous for outdoor workers, including painters. When the heat index gets that high, the body can’t cool itself efficiently through sweat. This increases the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, both of which are medical emergencies. Signs include dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. To protect themselves, painting crews follow safety guidelines from OSHA and NIOSH. These include starting work earlier in the day, staying hydrated, taking frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and wearing breathable clothing. Some job sites may also use work-rest cycles and buddy systems, especially when temperatures are extreme. A buddy system means one worker keeps an eye on another for signs of heat illness. Being aware of the heat index isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety and ensuring the crew can finish the job without injury or interruption.

A close-up of a thermometer displaying high temperatures against a bright blue sky and sunlight shining above.
Painting Services

Surface Temperature vs. Air Temperature: Why It Matters

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Many people think air temperature is the only factor to consider when painting, but the surface temperature of the material is just as important. Surfaces like metal, wood, and vinyl can get much hotter than the surrounding air—especially in direct sunlight. For instance, if the air temperature is 88°F, the surface of a wall or deck can easily exceed 120°F. Paint applied to these hot surfaces will dry too fast, which affects how it sticks and looks once it’s dry. If a surface is too hot to comfortably touch, it’s probably too hot to paint. Waiting for shade or cooler times of day is often the best choice. Paint manufacturers set limits for both air and surface temperatures. Exceeding those limits can cause problems like bubbling, cracking, or early paint failure. Surfaces that are painted too hot may also dry unevenly, which can lead to a blotchy or streaky finish. Making sure the surface is within the correct temperature range is a key part of getting a high-quality, long-lasting paint job.

Colorful paint cans in various shades, including blue, red, green, and yellow, arranged in a visually striking composition.
Tips

High Heat and Latex Paint: What You Need to Know

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Latex and acrylic paints are favorites for exterior projects because they are water-based, fast-drying, and low in odor. However, hot weather presents serious problems for these types of paint. When temperatures rise above 90°F, especially in direct sunlight, latex paint can dry too quickly on the surface. This quick surface drying, also known as “flash drying,” prevents the paint from forming a proper bond underneath. As a result, it can lead to cracking, peeling, or uneven finish. The surface may look fine at first, but the paint job won’t last as long. Surfaces like wood, vinyl, or aluminum siding can absorb heat throughout the day. On a 90°F day, the surface temperature can easily climb above 120°F. Latex paint isn’t designed to be applied on surfaces that hot. Following product guidelines and watching the weather forecast are key steps to preventing costly do-overs. When applied at the right time and temperature, latex paint can provide excellent coverage and durability.

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