When does painting season start?

At this time of year, everyone, painting contractors and their customers alike, are all chomping at the bit to get their spring projects underway. It gets especially tempting over a weekend like we just had here in the Lower Mainland of BC. Up to 20 degrees Celsius, dry, sun shining. This, however, is what we would call a false spring. As I write this article, it is forecasted to be 11 degrees and raining within 48 hours. NOT ideal painting conditions.

To schedule a start to a large-scale painting project, the contractor will want to be sure there is a clear and definitive break to the weather. Especially on projects where they will have to rent expensive access equipment such as boom lifts or scaffolding. Another consideration is the condition of the ground itself. If the project involves a boom lift, it can get bogged down in soft earth, sometimes to the point of needing a tow truck to pull it out.

From a technical perspective, the need for good painting weather becomes much more dramatic. When wood is pressure washed, water gets driven in to the surface, requiring low atmospheric moisture (humidity) to draw it out and dry the wood to under 15% moisture as measured by a moisture meter.

In addition, most modern acrylic paints require a maximum of 85% humidity and 10 degrees C throughout the drying process to reach their maximum potential adhesion and optimal dry film conditions. If the paint dries with moisture trapped behind or within the paint film, it will remain soft, sticky, and unable to withstand the expansion and contraction of the substrate throughout the years to come.

If your strata is considering a painting project this year, it is best to ensure that things are being done properly, that you will get the most from your investment. Having a 3rd party consulting firm inspecting your project is the best way to protect your property and give you the best results for your money.