Extreme Temps Can Damage Paint. Here’s How to Prevent It

Family Handyman

Winterizing Paint?

Paint doesn’t handle extreme temperatures very well. So, if you live in a cold climate, add this to your fall chore list:

Bring the latex/acrylic paint into the house. And while you’re at it, don’t forget the latex caulk. Freezing ruins both latex paint and caulk. Plus, use these expert tips to make your painting projects go faster and smoother.

How To Tell If the Frozen Paint Is Bad:

Check the paint after thawing. Freezing does ruin latex paint, but it can survive a few freeze/thaw cycles.

Allow the paint to slowly warm up to room temperature, then stir it well. If the paint color and consistency appear normal, then it should be all right to use. If it looks like cottage cheese, it was frozen too long and you should let it dry on newspaper in a safe place, then put it in the trash.

Here are the best-kept secrets of professional painters.

Painting in Extreme Temperatures

Another temperature-related painting mistake is painting when it’s going to freeze. Paint can’t dry properly in freezing temps. It will only dry partway and will easily come off when touched.

At the other end of the thermometer, painting a hot surface is also a bad idea. The paint starts to dry before you can spread it evenly and can bubble and slough off. Plan your painting to avoid direct sun if possible. Or at least try to paint south-facing walls in the morning or evening when the sun is less intense.

Set aside some time now to complete these simple fall maintenance tasks so you can rest easy, knowing you’re prepared.