Since the art of spray Painting was invented, painters whether professionals or amateurs have been able to turn their painting dreams into reality. Paint sprayers are very efficient and fast. With a quality product, you can spray paint over a large surface in a split second not to mention that you can access complex areas such as corners easily. In my experience, paint sprayers are the best thing to have ever happened to painters. However, just like is the case with any other tools, paint sprayers have some disadvantages of their own. For instance, the weather has to be right for you to come up with a quality paint. 

The moisture and the temperature of your painting environment hugely affect your paint application. However, we all understand that projects have to be completed regardless of the weather. It is for that reason that I provide you with 10 steps on how to overcome the challenges. 

1. Use the Right Paint

The first step is to always ensure the paint you are using is suitable for use in cold weather. If you are not sure, you can always read the manufacturer’s instructions or inquire from your local dealer. Let your seller know that you intend to use the paint in cold conditions.

2.Always Check the Wall Temperature

Before you start painting, make sure that you test the temperature of your wall or the surface that you about to paint using a non-contact infrared thermometer. If there is a possibility that the temperature will remain under 35 degrees Fahrenheit for the next couple of days, it is advisable not to paint the surface at all. But then again, this will depend on the type of paint that you wish to apply using a spray painter.

3.Turn on the Heat

Your main hindrance for not spray painting is low temperature right? So why not turn up the heat? Depending on your painting site, you can always use a heater to turn up the heat in the room. By doing this, you will be giving your painting surface an opportunity to dry up faster so you can move on to the next project. Remember, it is only after the surface has dried that you can apply the second and the third coating. However, you should take precaution when heating up the room as you may end up making it uncomfortable for yourself as well. It is important to note that you should wrap everything first before turning up the heat.

4.Always Use a Clean Spray Gun

Using a clean spray gun is almost an unwritten law that every painter should know. Apart from boosting the durability of the tool, cleaning your spray gun ensures that no ice or dirt settles in its interior parts so it works well. Clogging and jamming are some of the biggest challenges when using a spray gun, especially in cold weather. It is my guess that you have no option than to use a clean spray gun if you want to finish that painting project.

5.Paint at the Right Time of the Day

I understand that the weather may be so bad for you to complete your project. However, you will not be doing you or your paint any justice if you paint during times when the weather is extremely cold. I suggest that you start painting at 10 a.m. and be done by 2 p.m. These are times of the day when the temperature is at least warm even in regions where the weather is mostly cold. Additionally, it is between the mentioned period that you will have the utmost natural light to work with since you cannot paint in the dark.

6.Consider Using a Primer that Bonds Well

Apart from using a paint that works well in cold temperature, picking a primer that bonds well under the same low temperature is a wise idea. When painting in cold weather, you cannot afford to settle for a low-quality primer as that will only make your life more complicated. With the experience that I have in the field of painting, how a primer bonds with your painting surface hugely determines whether you will be successful or otherwise.

7.Clean the Surface Properly Before Painting

When spray painting in cold weather, always make sure that the surface is free from dirt or frozen particles. Carefully scrape out the frost and use a clean rag to wipe the particles out. During the cold weather, it might be impossible to see these frozen particles on your surface. However, you can overcome this problem by wiping at least 3 times before you start painting. Many of the poor paintings in cold regions are usually because of dampness.

8.Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions

Most people ignore the manual guides provided by the manufacturers of the products that they use. Never assume that the instructions of your current primer are similar to the one that you previously used. Sometimes it is the little details in the manual guides that determine whether your project will be successful or not.

9.Mix the Components at the Right Time

All the components, be it the primers or the paints, must be mixed in the right ratios and at the right time. Even if you acquire the right paint for cold weather, you might still not come out with perfect results if you do not adhere to the time factor.

10.Always Protect the Surface to Be Painted

Just like yourself, you should always protect your painting surface, especially during the drying process. Because it takes a longer time for the surface to dry when the temperatures are low, it is important to keep it safe from particles and dirt that may fall on it, therefore, destroying your project. 

Conclusion 

Spray painting in cold weather: 10 steps to overcome the challenges is what I have provided you in this article. The fact that the weather is not favorable should not prevent you from painting that wall or any other surface.