The Benefits of Latex Paint in the Winter
Why Latex Paint Helps in the Winter
Better Adhesion in Cold Weather
Extreme temperatures can get in the way of the painting process and cause paint to peel away from the surface. When it comes to exterior painting during the winter, then, it’s especially important to use products that can withstand low temperatures and other environmental threats. Latex paint is known for its strong adhesion thanks to its powerful resins, so you won’t have to worry about it flaking, chipping, or peeling off your property.
Keeping its Color
The strong binding properties of latex paint also allows these products to retain their appearance, even when faced with harsh winter weather. Whereas oil-based paints tend to fade and yellow over time, latex paint keeps its color (with proper maintenance, of course) -- this is a key consideration for HOA painting since most HOAs have strict rules regarding the color and appearance of their properties. Sticking with latex paint will allow you to more easily comply with any and all HOA regulations.
Resistance to Moisture, Mold, and Mildew
Aesthetics aside, latex paint also offers robust protection against moisture, mold, and mildew, dirt, debris, and other contaminants. These environmental forces threaten a property year-round, but they can be especially pernicious during the winter as snow melts on rooftops and drips down siding. Simply put, keeping moisture and debris at bay is a major priority for protecting your property inside and out, and latex paint aids in these efforts.
Waiting Until Winter to Paint
Though many people wait until after winter to paint their property’s exterior, this project can be tackled during the cold season if approached properly. The main obstacle to exterior winter painting is, of course, the weather, namely the temperature. After all, extremely low temperatures can hinder the paint application and drying processes. However, most modern latex paints can be applied in temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit. In other words, it’s possible to hire a residential painting company to paint your exterior with latex paint during the winter, so long as the weather is relatively mild and temperatures don’t dip below 35 degrees throughout the day.
Breathing Easy with Low-VOC Emissions
Winter is also a great time to hire local interior painters, for reasons we’ve previously discussed here. And while latex paint is often linked to exterior painting applications, these paint products can be used on interior surfaces as well. One of the main concerns surrounding interior painting has to do with toxic fumes and unpleasant odors, which are emitted by volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These concerns are exacerbated during the winter because it’s more of a challenge to open up windows and doors when it’s so cold outside. Fortunately, because latex paints are water-based, they contain few, if any, VOCs. So, even if you can’t fully ventilate your interior, latex paint won’t stink up your rooms too much or reduce air quality.
If you’re thinking about painting your property this winter, you’ll want to consider using latex paint for both exterior and interior applications. If you’re not sure which brand or type of latex to use, the experts at Endure Painting can help -- we use only the highest quality paints for our residential and commercial projects. For more information regarding our skills and services, call us at (510) 458-2120 or send us an email at hello@endurepainting.com.
