The best time of year to get interior painting is in the winter. Not only are contractors less busy, but typically savings can be as high as 40 percent with sales on painting products. Exterior painting must be done in the summer and autumn months. Spring in New Jersey is too rainy for painting exteriors. Winter in New Jersey is optimal. The air is dry, and the heating system kept between 66 to 70 degrees will help dry the paint rapidly.
Preparation
Avoid costly mistakes by hiring professional painters. Wall preparation is almost more important than the paint color. Clean surfaces of dust and dirt or the paint will not be smooth. Use dropcloths to protect furniture and floors. Masking paper is great for baseboards, doors, windows, and cabinets. Painter’s tape for trim, electric sockets, light switches, and small details that need protection. For consistent color, purchase pain in 5-gallon buckets.
Sequence
Paint ceilings then walls then trim then floor, in that order. Avoid drips by using a roller with extension handle to get even strokes and good coverage. Painting in the pattern of an M or W without lifting the roller will give the best finish. Use this method for primer and for interior paints. Drying is the last phase of the painting process. Do not start the second coat until the paint is dry. Opening the window to let in the cold winter air will speed drying. Oil based paints need 24 hours to dry and latex paints dry in 4 to 6 hours. Premium paints have no VOCs and are safe to paint interiors in winter due to the low odor.
Cleaning
Cleaning your tools is crucial. Clean up and disposal of paint wash out must not endanger groundwater. Latex paint can be washed with soapy water and placed down the drain, but oil paints need an appropriate wash out system. Oil paints use solvents or paint thinners to clean brushes which cannot be placed down the drain. A professional painting company will have a government approved area with a wash out system.
Availability
In New Jersey, painters only have a few months a year to work outdoors. So, during the months when the weather is nice, most painters will be focusing their time on exterior jobs. Trying to get an appointment during the spring, summer or fall for an interior paint job might be extremely difficult. During the winter months, painters’ sole focus is on interior work. With very little to no exterior jobs, their schedules are more flexible.
Pricing Advantages
The public’s misconceptions about painting during the winter, most painting companies are normally slower during that time of the year. To keep their schedule full, and to encourage customers to schedule interior projects in the winter, painting companies often offer discounts for scheduling in the winter. Most painting companies offer discounts for booking well in advance. So, booking now for a winter job could save you as much as 40 percent.
Drying Times
Did you know that humidity can cause paint to dry more slowly? Paint dries faster in cooler weather because of the reduced humidity that comes with the cold, dry air. The faster the paint dries, the less chance you have of a family member or pet accidentally smudging the wall. Slow drying also increases the time to finish a project, which could make the job more expensive. Yet another reason why winter jobs are more cost effective.
Ready for Spring
Most people put their homes on the market in the spring or summer. According to Realtor.com, the week of March 31 to April 6 is the best time to put a home on the market. On their website, a report stating that homes listed during that week were listed for an average of 6 percent more than at the beginning of the year, totaling an extra average $17,000.