Elena Rossi
Painting outdoors can be a tricky endeavour due to the potential for weather conditions to affect the paint's adhesion and drying time. Direct sunlight, for example, can cause paint to dry too quickly, which prevents it from properly adhering to the surface and can lead to cracking, peeling, and flaking. To avoid this, painters are advised to follow the sun, meaning they should paint where the sun has just been and will not return that day, thus staying in the shade. This technique not only improves the quality of the paint job but also keeps the painter more comfortable in warm weather.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Painting where the sun has just been and will not return that day |
| Reason | To prevent the paint from drying too quickly and to keep the painter comfortable |
| Ideal Seasons | Spring, Summer, and Fall |
| Ideal Time | Morning or late afternoon |
| Temperature | 60° to 85°F |
| Humidity | Low to moderate |
| Wind | Minimal |
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What You'll Learn
Avoiding direct sunlight
When painting outdoors, it is important to avoid direct sunlight as it can cause the paint to dry too quickly, which can lead to poor adhesion. This can result in the paint flaking, peeling, and cracking off the surface a few years down the line. To avoid this, schedule your painting for the early morning or evening when the sun is not as strong, or work in the shade. If you are painting in the summer, consider starting your project in the spring or earlier in the year to avoid the hotter months.
Direct sunlight can also make exterior surfaces 10 to 20 degrees hotter than the air temperature, which can affect the drying time of the paint. It is important to consider the temperature of the surface you are painting, as well as the ambient temperature. If the surface is too hot, the paint may dry too quickly, even if the air temperature is within the acceptable range. Use an infrared thermometer to measure the surface temperature and ensure it is within the acceptable range specified by the paint manufacturer.
Additionally, high temperatures often come with high humidity levels. High humidity can affect the drying time of paint, as there is more moisture in the air, and it will take longer for the water/solvents in the paint to evaporate. This can lead to improper drying and poor adhesion. Therefore, it is best to paint when humidity is low to moderate, ideally around 50%. Check the Technical Data Sheet for the paint you are using to find the optimal humidity level and temperature range for your specific product.
If you are unable to avoid direct sunlight, you can create shade by using a covering over the area you are painting. This will help to prevent the paint from drying too quickly and allow it to properly adhere to the surface. However, it is always best to plan your painting project around the weather and avoid painting in direct sunlight whenever possible.
By following these instructions, you can help ensure that your paint job is successful and that your paint will properly adhere to the surface, resulting in a smooth and long-lasting finish.
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Optimal painting seasons
Painting outdoors is a delicate endeavour that requires careful consideration of the weather conditions and the sun's position. "Following the sun" is a technique used by painters to avoid direct sunlight on freshly painted surfaces, which can cause the paint to dry too quickly, leading to poor adhesion and premature cracking, peeling, and flaking.
Spring and Summer:
Spring and summer offer ideal conditions for outdoor painting, especially in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky. From sunrise to about 10 am, and then again from 3 or 4 pm to as late as 8 pm, the light-side and shadow-side of forms are more clearly defined, providing desirable patterns of light and shadow. These times vary depending on the season and your latitude, so adjustments may be necessary.
Autumn:
Autumn can also offer optimal weather conditions for painting, but certain days are better than others. While professionals usually work around the sun or create artificial shade, rain and high winds should be avoided as they can cause the paint to dry too quickly and pick up dirt and debris, respectively.
Winter:
Winter can be a suitable season for painting outdoors, depending on your tolerance for colder temperatures. The sun remains lower in the sky during winter, casting desirable shadows throughout the day. However, paints made with natural oils and resins can become more viscous, thick, or even freeze in extremely cold temperatures.
General Guidelines:
Regardless of the season, it is crucial to avoid direct sunlight on freshly painted surfaces. This means "chasing the sun" by starting on the shady side of a surface and following the sun's movement without painting directly in its path. If "following the sun" is not possible, pay attention to the paint's application. If the paint is steaming or the surface is too hot to touch, it is too warm for optimal painting conditions.
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Positioning yourself and your palette
When painting outdoors, it is important to position yourself and your palette thoughtfully. This is essential to avoid the sun's rays drying the paint too quickly, which can cause the paint to crack, peel and flake off as it dries on top of the surface without properly adhering to it.
Firstly, it is best to avoid painting in direct sunlight. Instead, find a shaded spot, such as under a tree or in the shadow of a building, where you can set up your palette and canvas. This will provide a more balanced light, allowing you to judge colours accurately and mix shades that will appear as intended when applied to your canvas.
If you are unable to find a suitable shaded area, you can try positioning your palette and canvas facing into the sun. This may mean you have to turn away from your subject, but it can help prevent your paint from drying too quickly. If you have a book-style palette, angle it at around a 45-degree angle with the tripod handle, while keeping your painting at a vertical angle.
The time of day and season will also impact the lighting conditions when painting outdoors. The morning and late afternoon are ideal, as the sun is lower in the sky, creating more defined and noticeable light-side and shadow-side forms. These defined shadows can also be found in the late afternoon, from around 3 or 4 pm to as late as 8 pm. In the winter, the sun is always lower in the sky, casting desirable patterns of light and shadow.
To find the optimal crosslight, stand facing the sun and raise your arms to form a "T". The directions your arms point in will give you the best view of cross-light and shadow patterns. Avoid painting with the sun directly behind or in front of you, as this will hide the shadows.
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The impact of temperature on paint
Painting outdoors in the sun is a common practice, but it is important to be mindful of the impact of temperature on the paint to ensure a successful and long-lasting paint job.
The ideal temperature range for painting outdoors is between 50° and 85° Fahrenheit, with low to moderate humidity of around 50%, and minimal wind. Working within this temperature range ensures that the paint adheres properly to the surface, dries at an optimal rate, and maintains its durability.
When the temperature is too high, paint can dry too quickly, preventing it from fully bonding to the surface and resulting in poor adhesion. This can cause the paint to crack, peel, and flake off over time. High temperatures can also increase the surface temperature of the object being painted, further exacerbating the issue. Additionally, high humidity levels often accompany high temperatures. This can delay the paint's drying process, leading to tackiness, sagging, or even failure of the paint to adhere. Moreover, high humidity increases the likelihood of mildew and mold growth, creating additional challenges for paint adhesion and longevity.
On the other hand, when the temperature is too low, paints made with natural oils and resins can become very thick or even freeze, impacting their application and adhesion. Snowfall, which is common during cold temperatures, can add moisture to surfaces, further hindering paint adhesion.
To ensure a successful outdoor paint job, it is crucial to monitor the temperature and humidity levels and choose the right time of year and day to paint. Scheduling painting for the early morning or evening can help avoid extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Additionally, working in the shade or using coverings to create shade can help manage the impact of temperature on the paint.
Understanding the relationship between temperature and paint performance is essential for achieving a high-quality and long-lasting paint finish. By working within the optimal temperature range and taking the necessary precautions, painters can ensure that their outdoor paint jobs withstand the test of time.
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How to avoid paint runs
When painting outdoors, you should avoid exposing fresh paint to direct sunlight. While it is pleasant to work in the sun, it can be detrimental to your paint job. Direct sunlight will cause your paint to dry too quickly, preventing it from properly adhering to the surface. This will cause the paint to sit on top of the surface and crack, peel, and flake off.
To avoid paint runs when painting outdoors, follow these tips:
Paint in the Shade: Position yourself so that you are always in the shade while painting. This may involve working around the house as the sun moves throughout the day. If necessary, create shade by using a covering over the area you are painting.
Paint during the Cooler Times of Day: Schedule your painting project for the early morning or evening when the sun is not as strong. This will help you avoid the intense heat and direct sunlight that can cause paint to dry too quickly.
Avoid High Winds: Strong winds can cause paint to dry too fast, leading to poor adhesion. Gusty winds can also blow dirt, sediment, and leaves into your fresh paint, ruining your finish.
Choose the Right Seasons: While spring and summer offer ideal weather conditions for exterior painting, it is important to be mindful of the temperature and sunlight intensity. Consider painting in the springtime or fall to avoid the hottest days.
Allow Sufficient Time Between Coats: When painting in hot, sunny weather, give your paint enough time to dry before applying a second coat. This will help prevent moisture from collecting underneath, which can cause the paint to peel off.
By following these tips, you can avoid paint runs and achieve a smooth and durable finish on your outdoor painting projects.
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Frequently asked questions
'Follow the sun' refers to painting in the shade, where the sun has already been and will not return for the rest of the day. This prevents the sun from drying the paint too quickly, allowing it to properly adhere to the surface.
Direct sunlight causes paint to dry too fast, which means it won't be able to absorb properly and will cause the paint to crack, peel and flake off. It also makes it difficult to judge colours accurately.
The best conditions for painting outdoors are in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky and the light-side and shadow-side of forms are more clearly defined. Spring and summer are the ideal seasons for an exterior paint job, but it is recommended to paint in the shade or on overcast days.
