Painting in winter may seem impossible, with cold temperatures and rainy days creating less than ideal conditions for drying paint.
But you don’t have to put your painting projects on hold, with specialist Resene products enabling you to paint in low temperatures. Resene Wintergrade paints and additive can be used in temperatures as low as three degrees. (If it is over 10 degrees you will want to use standard Resene paints.)
Perfect cold-weather performance
The technology behind Resene Wintergrade products ensures that paint is applied seamlessly, dries quickly, and the finish is durable. Cold conditions can cause standard waterborne paint films to crack and powder or fail prematurely. Sometimes it may appear that regular paint is being applied correctly, but the surface won’t be as durable or long-lasting.
"Wintergrade paints are designed with very specific resins that can cope with lower temperature conditions whilst still forming a durable film," says Resene technical manager Mike Clowes.
But it doesn’t mean you can go out painting in a storm. Mike says you still have to pick your day when using Resene Wintergrade products.
Top tips for winter painting
"Wintergrade paints are easy to use but they are not a panacea," Mike says. "It is important to choose a day to paint when the weather conditions are not too severe."
He recommends picking your window of opportunity carefully, starting late morning when it is warmer and finishing mid-afternoon before the temperature plummets.
"Remember the temperature must not fall below three degrees when applying and most crucially allow time for the paint to dry."
There are other considerations to take into account, says Mike. "It’s not just the cold air temperature but the surface temperature to consider. Concrete will be much colder than plasterboard so look at painting the warmest surface first to let temperature rise on the colder substrates."
If you are expecting light showers, Resene Umbrella Additive is another excellent winter helper which helps to shower-proof paint rapidly as it dries. This can be added to pre-mixed wintergrade products.
Most importantly, take your time. "It’s better to do the job over a couple of days rather than take the paint beyond its capabilities. If it’s a rainy day or likely to be, then concentrate on interior painting and preparation."
Take it indoors
Resene Wintergrade products are not just for external use. If you are painting indoors in a cold climate and don’t have a heating system, Resene Wintergrade paints or additive can be a good solution. Indoor painting can be a fun way to pass a rainy day, too. Just make sure to keep an eye on the temperature and mix any additive in a well-ventilated area, advises Mike.
You can also use all the time spent indoors to get your walls ready for painting. Stripping off wallpaper or getting walls prepped and ready to go is far more fun when the weather’s stormy outside, you have the radio up loud and someone to help you. Consider inviting DIY friends round for a paint party to help you get your project finished in record time – you supply the paint, they supply the DIY and afterwards all can enjoy the party.
Colours to suit
Products in the wintergrade range include Resene Wintergrade Lumbersider, a waterborne low-sheen paint, Resene Wintergrade Sonyx 101, a waterborne semi-gloss - both available in white and off-white - and Resene Wintergrade Quick Dry, a waterborne primer undercoat available in white.
If you’re looking for more colour variation, you can add Resene Wintergrade Additive to selected Resene waterborne paints to make them suitable for winter painting. This additive works best in white and light tones, although some darker shades can be used as long as the temperature is not too cold and there is enough time for the paint to cure.
Resene has been offering wintergrade products for over 10 years, while Resene Wintergrade Additive is a more recent addition to the range. To find out more about the Resene Wintergrade range click here.
This article was created for Resene.
