So, you have decided to stop putting off that home painting job and are finally going to throw a fresh coat of paint (or two) onto your home’s exterior. How exciting!
And, while temperatures may be rising, summer may just be one of the best times to get that paint job done. With extended daylight hours and more relaxed working schedules, this season typically provides much more time to complete exterior household tasks, such as painting.
However, there are some factors that you will want to consider and take into account when taking on a home exterior painting job, especially during the hot days of summer. Here, we’ve laid out a few of our All-Pro Painters’ essential tips for safely painting during the summer months.
Our Top 4 Summer Painting Tips
1. Set Your Painting Schedule Based On The Heat
Strategically setting your painting schedule around the hottest times of the day is one of the best ways to ensure maximum productivity with minimal discomfort due to the summertime heat.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, “The hottest time of the day is around 3 p.m. Heat continues building up after noon when the sun is highest in the sky. By 3 p.m. or so, the sun is low enough in the sky for outgoing heat to be greater than incoming.”
We recommend getting your daily painting done in the morning, up until around noon, once the heat begins to build up. Remember, if you get started at 7 am, that gives you 5 hours of painting, and then some time to enjoy a hot summer day lakeside, by the pool, or in the AC after noon time.
2. Check The Weather
During New England summers, the weather can change in an instant. We all know this to be true. However, before you plan a day on the ladder painting your home’s exterior, be sure to check the weather report!
Severe thunderstorms often bounce around our region during the summer months and can come on suddenly and unexpectedly if not monitored. When performing any household job, your safety should be the highest priority, and consciously checking the weather is the best way to ensure that you’re painting safely and effectively.
3. Fuel And Hydrate!
Say it with us, “a hearty breakfast and tons of water.” Like, take the amount of water that you think you should drink and double it. Make sure that you’re effectively fueling your body. Exterior painting jobs, especially in the summer heat, are physically taxing.
You’ll be sweating, and you’ll need to replenish your body’s water supply with a steady supply of personal water intake. You may even want to consider adding electrolyte-fueled beverages, such as Powerade, Gatorade, and Smart Water. Remember, as stated previously, you must put your health and safety above all else.
4. Ask For Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Painting is hard – especially exterior painting. Don’t be scared to ask friends and family for their assistance. And who knows, you may find time for a few laughs or family/friend bonding along the way.
Using the buddy system helps increase project safety and helps streamline the entire process, leaving you with a brand new, beautifully painted home.