Summer is painting season! Work on your list of home repairs, renovations, and maintenance tasks without pesky rains to ruin your work. But, before you get started on your summer painting projects, read through these dos and don’ts.
DO Thin Paint When Necessary
When the temperature gets too hot, certain paints can thicken due to increased evaporation. Solvent-based paints in particular are prone to this. Paint that’s too thick can be more difficult to apply and leave you with brush marks on your surface.
When this happens, you can opt to thin your paint until you get a consistency that’s easier to work with. Just remember to use the appropriate thinning solvent for the paint you’re using.
If you’re not sure what type of thinner or reducer should be mixed with your paint, head to the Boysen website. There you’ll be able to find the technical info on all of Boysen’s products including each of its appropriate thinning solvent.
DO Keep Force-Drying in Mind
Force-drying is when a product dries quicker than it’s supposed to. One would think this would be a good thing, but it can actually lead to adverse effects like cracks on a coating that has just been applied.
Examples of products where force-drying can occur include skimcoats and renders, like the Konstrukt Permaplast K-201 Acrylic Skimcoat and Konstrukt Permaplast K-222 Interior Render. Another would be Boysen Plexibond, a product for cementitious waterproofing system.
To avoid force-drying, especially during the summer months when it’s more likely to occur, remember to dampen the surface before application.
DON’T Guess Which Products to Use
It’s best to think ahead. Though you’re painting in the summer, your paint should last through heavy rains as well. Take this opportunity to pick long-lasting and durable products. If possible, products that have good weatherability and water resistance are even better, such as Boysen Acrytex for home exteriors.
Remember as well that products are tagged with “interior use” and “exterior use” for a reason. For example, Boysen Xyladecor can be used for both exteriors and interiors. Boysen Oil Wood Stain, on the other hand, is for interior use only. Exposing it to the elements can lead to faster aging and deterioration of your stain.
DO Seal and Store Paint Properly
Alkyd-based paints like Boysen Quick Drying Enamel are more prone to skinning when they are improperly sealed and stored amid high temperatures like during the summertime.
Skinning is when a thin film forms on top of paint in its container. Prolonged exposure of this type of paint to air and moisture triggers oxidation on the surface, forming the insoluble film. If this happens to you, you’ll still be able to use your paint (provided it’s not accompanied by other problems like a foul smell). Before using, you’ll need to completely remove the solid film and thoroughly mix the paint.
Whenever you’re storing paint, always properly seal your leftover cans and keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture.
DON’T Neglect Your Health
Heat exhaustion is a real and present danger when you’re working in the summer, especially if you’re working outdoors under the sun. Remember to take breaks and to keep hydrated. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes too.
Be strategic about how you work as well. You can start early in the morning when it’s cooler. Take a break at noon during the hottest time of the day and resume your painting in the afternoon.
Best of luck with your summer painting projects!
If you have any questions or inquiries about Boysen products, our technical team will be happy to assist you. Send an email to ask@myboysen.com or call (02) 8363-9738 local 413 to 418 during office hours for a one-on-one consultation.
