Optimal Planning for Exterior Paint Projects in Hove
Transforming the exterior of your home with fresh paint is one of the most rewarding home improvements you can undertake. Whether it’s remedial work, regular maintenance or upgrading kerb appeal, the timing of your project is essential. Understanding the best conditions to paint exterior surfaces in Hove’s microclimate is crucial to long-lasting results. Success relies on the optimal weather window, the quality of materials and skilled application to protect your property against the salt air. Based on our experience of exterior painting in the Hove area, these are our tips for planning exterior paint projects.
Exterior Paint Conditions
Exterior paints have sophisticated formulas to withstand temperature ranges, high humidity levels, the sun’s UV rays and the corrosive nature of sea air. Exterior painting therefore requires favourable conditions for the paint to perform properly and, whilst forecasts of ‘sunshine with showers’ can be managed, the optimal temperature for exterior painting must be between 10c and 25c. Below 10c and paint molecules struggle to bond with surfaces which means poor adhesion and premature peeling and flaking. Above 25c and the paint film doesn’t properly cure, as it dries too quickly, leading to cracking and blistering.
Optimal Painting Season
Exterior painting projects in Hove can usually run between April and November so it’s thankfully a wide window of opportunity to navigate our temperate climate and extreme weather events. Average daytime temperatures in Hove are between 10c and 20c for about eight months however, as you know, we increasingly experience cold snaps below 5c and heatwaves above 30c. The famous Hove sea mist can also bamboozle meteorological forecasters with a localised cloud turning a dream day into a painter’s nightmare. Humidity levels can vary, from day to day, in a coastal location so always tread with caution if it feels too humid.
Definitely Avoid Winter
Winter isn’t a suitable season for exterior painting due to cold temperatures, high moisture levels and reduced daylight hours. Some exterior paints specify minimum application temperatures of 5c however we don’t advise exterior painting below 10c as the paint drying and curing process is likely to affect both the final paint finish as well as long-term durability. You’re investing in both the aesthetics of your home as well as the fabric of the building to withstand the elements and protect your home for years to come. A quick paint job in the wrong conditions will cost time and money in long run.
Planning Your Project
Exterior painting projects require extra planning compared to interior painting as, in addition to being exposed to the elements, there are multiple surfaces to consider. Masonry, wood, uPVC and metal need different approaches, especially if remedial work is needed, so having a plan in place is essential. Investing in the correct type of paint is critical to ensure the exterior of your home is protected from storms whilst you’re inside enjoying a roast dinner. Paint technology has advanced over the last few years so always research the options or speak to a professional. Safe access to all areas is non-negotiable so ensure you have the correct ladders or scaffolding towers to safely work at heights.
Choose Perfect Colours
Augmented Reality (AR) apps are fantastic tools to experiment with different colours without any real commitment. iOS and Android apps like Dulux Visualiser and most paint brands, including Farrow & Ball, allow you to upload images of your home exterior and dynamically change colours. You can truly experiment and have fun with an almost infinite colour palette to rule out the outliers and shortlist the best colours. It’s important to test real sample colours as natural light transforms colours at different times of the day so, with your shortlist, paint samples on the walls, windows, railings, gutters etc.
Carefully Prepare Surfaces
Methodical preparation of exterior surfaces is an essential step in the process as poor surface preparation can cause the best quality paint to fail prematurely. Inspect the exterior area for damage such as masonry cracks, flaking paint, rotten wood, rusting metal etc. Remedial work takes time but it’s the most important aspect of exterior paint projects as repairing the fabric of your property ensures your home is properly maintained and you avoid long term issues. Filling gaps, holes and seams prevents moisture and salt air entering your home. After remedial work, scrape away debris and sand areas to leave a smooth surface ready to be cleaned so all dirt and mould is removed.
Prime Exterior Surfaces
Priming and undercoating surfaces ensures better paint adhesion and a smoother finish so pick the right exterior-grade primer for each surface e.g. masonry, woodwork, metalwork etc. Pay particular attention to wood and metal as priming these materials carefully will ensure the weather doesn’t penetrate over time and lead to premature paint flaking or rust reappearing. The salt air in Hove is particularly corrosive so priming exterior surfaces is critical. Aesthetically, it also neutralises previous hues and remedial work so your new paint shines through without discolouration from the old layer.
Paint Home Exterior
Finally, the fun part, where your refreshed paint job or new colour scheme comes to life. Always start at the top of the property and work your way down to avoid paint dripping onto newly painted surfaces. Ensure neat joins and clean lines by ‘cutting in’ with an angled brush around window frames, architectural elements, drainpipes etc. Masonry is quite rough so steady paint application with a thick pile roller ensures even coverage or, if the wall is particularly rough, a paint brush is the best way to ensure complete coverage. Methodically work your way between surfaces using different brushes for different paint applications on wood, metal and uPVC which require at least three layers.
Judge Drying Times
Painting in a relatively uncontrolled environment requires subjective judgment on drying times so don’t necessarily take the paint manufacturer’s word as gospel. The intensity of the sun, a prevailing wind, humidity levels and an unexpected shower will alter the paint application and curing times between coats. Ideally allocate one day between coats and, if conditions are in your favour, apply a second coat on the same day if you’re confident the paint as dried sufficiently. Extended daylight hours between May and August allow you to start early and work into the evening if you’ve got the energy and want to crack on.
Inspect Touch-up Details
Examine areas after each coat to ensure edges are neat and paint coverage is even. You may notice spots where the paint hasn’t completely covered rough render so touch-up where needed so each coat provides comprehensive coverage. Windows, drainpipes, railings and architectural elements need detailed attention to ensure a clean finish so take your time and always apply the final coat to these surfaces after you’ve completed the wall to ensure the wall paint doesn’t leave splashes or spray on the surfaces you may want to pick out with a different colour.
Long-term Preservation
The process may seem laborious however a thorough exterior paint project will last a decade. Aesthetics are often the driving force behind an exterior paint job however it’s also a protective layer for your home and therefore an important investment. In addition to adding value to your property, exterior paint projects ensure your walls, windows, facias and doors protect the fabric of your home from Hove’s microclimate. Our homes have a lot to deal with, from Atlantic heatwaves to Siberian storms, so maintaining the exterior surfaces of your home protects the internal fabric of the building. We often find cracks and gaps when painting the exterior of homes and dealing with these often overlooked imperfections ensures the moist and salty coastal weather isn’t allowed to enter the building.
Exterior Painting Tips
Optimal temperature range is 10c to 25c with April to November potential months to paint.
Monitor weather maps to avoid localised spikes in UV, temperature, humidity and rain.
Plan project meticulously with the correct type of paint and brushes for different surfaces.
Safety manage heights with the right type of ladder or scaffolding tower and don’t take risks.
Choose paint colours using paint visualiser apps and always test real paint colour samples.
Repair and prepare surfaces and take time to ensure essential remedial work is completed.
Prime and paint different surfaces with the right paint and judge driving times between coats.
Inspect and touch-up imperfections between coats to ensure a clean and smooth finish.