Painting house exteriors during the winter is vastly more challenging than during warmer months. It’s not impossible, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to you having to start all over again. Here are some of the most common winter exterior painting mistakes that people make, and ones that you should avoid for the best possible results.

Ignoring Prep

Prep is everything when you’re painting exteriors during the winter. Unfortunately, many people think they can just get started or skip the prep work because they want to get things done faster. If you want to avoid unnecessary delays, you’ll want to make sure surfaces have been properly cleaned, dried, and checked for any debris. Otherwise, you can end up with paint that begins bubbling, fails to adhere properly, or experiences any number of issues that cause problems early on.

Trying to Paint in Bad Weather

One of the more frustrating elements of painting exteriors in the winter is dealing with consistently bad weather. No one wants to wait for the right weather when they want to start painting. However, if you don’t, it can make it impossible to get the right foundation for your paint job. Cold weather can prevent drying, cause cracking, slow curing, and cause other problems for paint. Don’t decide to paint your exterior when it’s raining, snowing, or when it’s otherwise overly dewy or cold outside.

Not Giving Paint Enough Time to Dry

This mistake actually comes in several forms. The one mistake that’s commonly made during the winter is not painting during the right time of day. You want to be painting when it’s warmest out to ensure that your paint has enough time and the right conditions to dry. Otherwise, you could end up with cracking and other issues. More importantly, however, let your paint take as much time as it needs to so that it dries properly. Applying additional coats too early can lead to bubbling and result in dust and other contaminants sticking to the surface.

Using the Wrong Paint and Technique

Are you planning on using the right paint when you’re painting an exterior during winter? It’s easy to use standard paint, but these paints aren’t designed to withstand the frigid temperatures of winter. You should be using a cold-weather formula to give yourself the best chance of getting a great finished product. Also, avoid applying overly thick coats, as these can also crack or sag as they dry. The right technique and paint selection matter.

There are many mistakes that can be made when painting an exterior during winter. From the wrong paint to painting during bad weather, learning them will enable you to make the right choices when painting your own home. For the best results, rely on expert exterior painting support to avoid any possible mistakes. Get in touch with us at MSD Painting Services in Rio Rancho, NM, for such a project.