Painting in the Dallas hot weather isn't easy. It requires careful consideration to ensure your safety and the project's outcome. Here are some do's and don'ts
In Dallas, TX, between May and August, it’s hot, very hot. Not only that, it can be humid and stormy.
For those renovating a home or taking on a DIY project with paint during this time, it can also be quite dangerous.
If you’re not cautious, you can end up baking in the heat, get caught up in a storm, or worse, ruin your painting project.
As Dallas painters, we know a thing or two about painting in hot weather, especially between May and August. To ensure you stay safe during these months, check out the below tips for painting in hot weather.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Painting in the Dallas Heat
Do’s
Paint Early or Late in the Day
As mentioned earlier, the summer in Dallas is hot. You can see this below:
As you can see, the mins and maxes are quite different. Typically, the mins (the blue line) are in the morning and evening, whereas the max (the red line) is during the midday.
If you can, avoid painting from 11:00 to 18:00. If you have to, just be sure to protect yourself with eyewear, sunscreen, and proper clothing.
Also, the best time temperature for painting, regarding drying, is between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so consider this before undergoing the project.
Ensure Proper Surfer Preparation
Along with the Dallas heat, it can also be very humid. Typically, it’s most humid in May:
Humidity can cause dampness in some areas. For instance, window reveals, window panes, unheated rooms, and even walls and ceilings.
You’ll want to ensure there isn’t any dampness before painting. Dampness can prevent the paint from adhering properly, leading to peeling and bubbling.
If there’s dampness, you need to find the root cause. This is usually ventilation. You then need to improve ventilation, remove damp from the area, and wait for it to dry. Depending on the severity, a dehumidifier can be used.
Once dried, applying a waterproof seal is beneficial. It will prevent dampness from reoccurring, allowing your paint to properly stick to the surface.
Use Sun Protection
According to the EPA, anything above 6-7 UV is considered “High,” meaning protection against the skin and eye is needed.
The current UV index between May and September suggests you need sun protection while painting, especially if you’re in direct sunlight.
Don’ts
Avoid Painting in Direct Sunlight
If you can, avoid painting in direct sunlight. Either wait for shade or set up shade using a parasol, an umbrella, or something similar.
Alongside this, if the surface you’re painting is too hot to touch, it’s definitely too hot to paint, so wait for it to cool down.
Don’t Paint During Stormy Weather
We know what Dallas is like, and so do you. It can change at any minute. Therefore, check the news and be prepared if a storm comes.
If you’re painting outside and a storm is forecasted, stop a few hours before. Cover up your paint using a tarp and make sure it’s protected.
Alternatively, wait until the surface is dry if a storm has just occurred. The time for this can vary (depending on the weather), but it’s usually a few hours.
Don’t Skip Primer
The last tip on painting in high humidity and heat is to use a primer. It can help your paint’s adhesion, possibly making the surfer cooler and more prepared for the coating.
Conclusion
There you have it. If you’re painting in the hot weather of Dallas, be careful. Don’t paint in direct sunlight, avoid stormy weather, avoid overloading the brush or roller, and don’t skip the primer.
If you need help painting, you can always leave it to the professionals. For a free quote, contact one of our helpful representatives today.
