Spring has sprung and the itch is there to start painting outside. Do not scratch it just yet. The temperatures are rising and the sun is coming out a little more each day. It is still too soon to get going on the painting projects outside.
The rule of thumb has always been: 10 C degrees day and night consistently for two weeks. This will allow the surface to dry and will also help the paint to set before the night air gets to it. It is always necessary to wash and prep the surface before painting. This is especially true with exterior work. Traffic film, dust etc. will need to be washed away and any repairs, sanding done. Damp wood will just ravel up and does not sand smooth, only DRY wood will. Even metal or vinyl needs to warm up before painting. The air needs to be warm to help the paint dry. If there is too much moisture or cold air the paint has nowhere to evaporate.
Patience now will pay back later on. Do the job once, do it well and move on to the next project.
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