May. 27, 2024
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You'll pay about $32 a gallon for the top-rated satin, flat, or semi-gloss paints from Consumer Reports' latest tests. Benjamin Moore interior paints also performed very well, but cost twice as much. You can spend less but too often the most inexpensive paints are no bargain. Many require additional coats for hiding so you might have to spend more to get good covering. We asked our experts if there's a way to save money and still use the best paint. Here are five money-saving tips to try.
Be calculating. Guessing how much paint you need may cause you to overbuy. Use an online calculator to figure out how much you need. You'll find calculators on the websites of paint retailers and manufacturers, as well as the Paint Quality Institute, which is part of Dow.
Friend manufacturers. Search for special deals on the websites and Facebook pages of manufacturers and retailers. Our search turned up brand coupons and a 10 percent moving discount at Lowe's. It applies to purchases up to $5,000, whether you're painting your home to put it on the market or are just moving in. Military discounts are available at both Lowe's and Home Depot.
Shop seasonal sales. Shop the week leading up to Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. "It's typically when paint manufacturers and retailers put paint on sale," says Debbie Zimmer, director of communications for the PQI.
Ask about oops paints. Most stores, including Home Depot, sell them. They're gallons of paints that have been returned or paints just mixed and the customer changes his or her mind about the color. One local hardware store we know of sells top-shelf paints that have been returned for $5. That's $5 a gallon.
Buy in bulk. Request a quantity discount when buying lots of paintsay enough to paint the interior of your home or when painting the exterior. Don't be shy, it's money in the bank.
Here's another way to save. Choose one of the CR Best Buys from our Ratings of 65 interior paints. These recommended paints offer impressive performance at an appealing price, such as Glidden Premium Satin paint, which is $24 a gallon at Home Depot. A can of Glidden Premium Flat is $20.
And two Best Buy flat paints sold at Lowe's, Olympic One Flat Enamel and Valspar Ultra Flat, are $25 a gallon. Our list of semi-gloss Best Buys includes Better Homes and Gardens Semi-Gloss, which is sold at Walmart for $26.
Eivydas David Phillips
Founder/President at Painters Inc.
Variations in the weather can impact the quality of a paint job, particularly the exterior surfaces. Hot summers and cold winters, dry days and wet days, high humidity and low humidity they all have an impact on painting projects. At Painters Inc., we know the best and worst time to take on a painting job, but we also have the tools and knowledge to get the best results, regardless of the season.
The best time of year for interior and exterior painting can also depend on your environment. For example, if you have many trees close to your structure, bringing in a painting crew during the spring before the leaves have filled out the trees would be a better option than the summer, when the foliage gets in the way and is a hindrance for the painters.
The best time of the year for interior painting can also depend on a number of factors, including the type of paint that is being used. Some specialty paints are oil or solvent-based, which means they will give off a lot of fumes, so you wouldnt want to apply them during a time of year when you cant open your windows (super hot summer days or bitter cold winter days and nights). When you talk to your painting contractor about all the variables, you can nail down the perfect time of year to do either exterior or interior work.
When moisture is in the air (humidity), there is moisture on your surfaces, leading to a slow paint drying process. Temperature also impacts how paint dries. Quality painting contractors know how temperature and humidity impact quality and they know how to avoid adverse situations.
Paint thickens in low ambient temperatures, which means if its cold enough, the paint never really dries and you run the risk of having your paint sag or see long runs and/or creases. Paint is also more difficult to apply in the cold. Most paint manufacturers recommend painting in temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees, but top quality brands, like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Willams have developed formulas for some of their paint that allow painters to do their work in temps as low as 35 degrees.
When temperatures are too hot, the paint dries too fast, which leads to bumps and wrinkles. When it dries too fast the binding properties in the paint never get an opportunity to do what they are designed to do, thus the wrinkles and bubbles or blisters. This is especially true when the surfaces are in direct sunlight on hot days.
Relative humidity plays a role in how paint adheres to surfaces. For example, when the humidity is high, surface areas are exposed to water vapor, and when paint is applied on top of that moisture, youll get bubbling and/or peeling paint as a result.
The preferred humidity is between 40 and 70 percent, because this is within the range that paint can properly adhere to surfaces.
If you see a cracking or blistering paint on a surface, its not always because of heat, humidity or age it could be a result of paint applied on a windy day. Paint needs time to cure, but if youre painting in the wind, instead of getting a slow and steady dry/cure over a 24-hour period, the paint dries too fast and doesnt properly adhere to the surface.
At Painters Inc., we know that painting in winds exceeding a gentle breeze, around 8 mph, is a bad idea and will only produce problems down the line.
Interior painting projects are usually not a problem because most interiors are climate controlled. However, heating and cooling systems have an impact on humidity, which needs to be monitored.
Exterior painting projects in Chicago are at the mercy of Midwestern weather extremes. Average winter temps from December through February are around 28 degrees too cold for exterior painting projects. Average temps in the spring become more amenable to painting, rising from 37 degrees in March to an average of 59 degrees in May.
At Painters Inc., the bulk of our exterior painting projects are taken on during the summer months, but are put on hold when Chicago gets the blast furnace experience during brutal heat waves. Temperatures begin to drop in September and October, but are still in an acceptable range for painting.
The following are the ideal conditions for exterior painting:
At Painters Inc., we are active from the spring through the fall and will take exterior work in the winter if the temperature allows. Like most painting contractors, were busiest during the summer when conditions are the most consistently ideal for applying paint to exterior surfaces. Our focus is on quality outcomes we want the paint to look superb and last for a long, long time. In order for that to happen, we have to keep a close eye on heat, humidity, wind and rain, so we dont schedule projects when the conditions are less than ideal.
Chicago is often too cold and windy during the winter to take on exterior painting projects. Chicago has an average of 43 days a year where the temps get below freezing and paint cant adhere properly in those conditions. However, its a perfect time for climate-controlled interiors to be painted. The following are some of the advantages to scheduling your painting project during the winter months.
Everyone is hunkered down indoors during the winter as the temperatures plunge and the days shorten. This is the time when people notice their interiors require repainting, but is the winter a good time for these projects? The answers is yes, and heres why:
From having your ceilings painted or checking into possible code violations related to paint, there are a wide variety of projects that can be undertaken during the winter months, including floor treatment, painting warehouses and offices and just about anything in between. At Painters Inc., the winter months are a perfect time to schedule an interior project with us because youll save time and money and avoid all the usual hassles of interior work.
When the winter weather prohibits outdoor painting projects, commercial building owners/managers tackle their indoor painting needs, from touch ups to completely new colors and designs. Winter is a great time to take stock of the current paint situation on indoor surfaces and choose which areas could use a new coat.
There is a misconception that the humidity is lower in the winter than in the summer, but in Chicago, the average winter humidity level is roughly four percent higher. This has to be taken into account, because humidity affects how paint adheres to surfaces. You also have to take into account the temperature of the walls, but since most commercial properties are climate controlled, this doesnt present much of a challenge with interior painting.
Using infrared thermometers, quality painting contractors will ensure that the surfaces they paint during the winter arent below 35 degrees, which is the lowest that a select few specialty paints can be applied and still dry correctly (no wrinkles, bubbles or cracking). Quality contractors will also choose the right types of paint that can handle being applied in cooler weather. This ensures proper spread during application and lifespan. Furthermore, choosing the right type of paint will boost the aesthetic appeal.
Dont wait until spring or summer to schedule your interior commercial painting project take full advantage of contractors availability during the slower winter months. At Painters Inc., our crew is ready to tackle your indoor project. We use zero- to low-VOC paints, which means you dont have to open the windows and air out the fumes. Contact us and lets discuss the scope of the work.
Planning is the key to success in an exterior painting project on a commercial building during the winter. The majority of paints cant be applied to surfaces below 35 degree, which means projects have to be planned around the forecast. Most contractors will shoot for 50 degree days, as the outcomes are more desirable.
When a bitter cold snap eases into Chicago, exterior painting projects must be put on hold, as the paint will not dry correctly in these temperatures.
There are exceptions to the 35 degree rule. For example, Sherwin-Williams makes a solvent-based paint that can be applied to concrete at temperatures as low as 20 degrees, but it takes longer to apply and longer to dry. Water-based paints, however, shouldnt be applied when the temperature drops below 35, because while the paint might look fine at first, the long-lasting positive effects you expect out of a quality paint wont present themselves. Rather, your paint is more likely to crack or chip far sooner than normally expected.
At Painters Inc., our experience is that when the humidity is not too high and the temperature stays above 35 (even overnight temperatures), our winter exterior painting projects have great success. If we do have overnight lows below 35, we make sure to begin painting as early as possible, giving the paint time to dry before it gets too cold. Were also careful to choose the right types of paints, which are specially formulated to hold up in colder temperatures.
Another reason to consider taking on an exterior painting project in the winter is that you might get a deal. Summers are notoriously busy for painting contractors, but things slow down during the winter, so you not only have more availability, you might also get a contractor at a reduced rate compared to what you would pay for the same work in the summer.
Water-based paint on cold surfaces is not ideal. You face extended drying times, peeling, and when painting with latex, it wont form a film, which compromises its ability to last. Fortunately, cold weather painting projects can happen due to the specially formulated paints that quality manufacturers, such as Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore produce.
At Painters Inc., weve used Benjamin Moores MoorLife, Super Spec and MoorGuard paints when the weather gets no colder than 40 degrees and have had exceptional outcomes. Weve also used Sherwin-Williams Resilience, which has the trademarked MoistureGuard built in, allowing it to resist higher winter humidity. For projects that will involve temps as low as 35 degrees, weve used Emerald, Duration, A-100 and SuperPaint from Sherwin-Williams.
While the most optimal environment for painting is during the summer months, contractors avoid painting in direct sunlight. When paint dries too fast, it doesnt have time to cure. Thats why they avoid painting in direct sunlight during the summer.
Chicago summers can get quite heated, so its always wise to keep an eye on the temperature and never schedule a painting project when the temperature gets over 100 degrees. When it gets this hot, the surfaces will not have a chance to absorb the paint, which means it wont adhere properly and will peel, blister or crack.
You want your painting job to last as long as possible. In order for that to happen, you have to choose the contractor that uses the right paint and applies it under the right conditions. There are far more good weather days during the summer than any other time of year in Chicago, which makes summer the most desirable time of year to hire a painting contractor.
The following are some of the top reasons to take on a painting project in the summer:
When you work with a quality painting contractor during the summer, they will be aware of all the conditions that can help or distract from a painting job. They will plan around the forecast and make sure your paints will adhere correctly and last a long time. Thats what we offer at Painters Inc.
Despite the fact that the days are longer during the summer, which means your painting contractor can put in longer hours under natural light, interior painting during the summer means you can open your windows and allow the paint aroma to dissipate faster. This is particularly useful if the surfaces you are painting must be covered in higher VOC paints, which leave fumes that need to be aired out.
If your surfaces require more than one coat, the paint will need time to dry between each application.
In warmer weather, the drying time is significantly reduced, which means multiple coats can be applied in the same day.
This will reduce the project time and get your interiors looking great in no time at all. Of course, avoid painting when the temperatures reach 100 degrees, as this can lead to the paint drying too fast and will negatively impact its lifespan.
Summertime offers hours and hours of natural light, which painters use to their benefit, especially when it comes to choosing paint colors. When the natural light comes through the windows, you get a much different effect than with artificial light; you get a truer sense of what the colors youre considering will look like on your surfaces under natural light.
Warmer temperatures will thin the paint, which is a benefit to painters as application is easier. Thinner paint is easier to mix, so the colors are perfectly incorporated into the other paint materials. Rather than using thinner, as some painters do during the winter months, painters get the right viscosity in warm weather, leading to a high-quality application, which translates into a better look and a longer lasting result.
Summer is the most popular season for commercial building owners/managers to hire contractors for exterior painting projects. Not only are the days long, giving painting crews plenty of hours of daylight, but the weather is the most favorable. The only consideration is that the painters avoid applying paint in direct sunlight, in rain or during super hot days when the temperature nears 100 degrees.
Paint dries relatively fast in the warm summer air, which means jobs that require multiple coats can be applied in the same day. Some exterior paints have more materials in their recipe, which means they can be thicker. In the warm air, exterior paint like this will thin out just enough so that the viscosity is perfect, making it easy to apply.
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Professional painters know to avoid painting on days when the temperature gets too hot. They carry special thermometers that measure the surface temperature, so they know if a surface is too hot, they will not paint it. Hot surfaces make the paint dry really fast, which means it doesnt have a chance to absorb into the surface and properly adhere. This will later lead to peeling, cracking and/or blistering.
At Painters Inc., we plan our commercial exterior painting projects carefully. We know to avoid wet weather painting or painting on days when the temperature spikes to 100. Were focused on quality outcomes in every exterior job we do, which is why we use the right tools for these types of jobs and hire quality painters with years of experience on exterior projects.
While the summer offers some of the best painting days of the year, extreme temperatures have an adverse effect on paint. You dont want your paint to bake, as this will cause it to dry too fast and not adhere to your surfaces correctly.
Professional painters know which paints work best in warmer temperatures and for areas that are subjected to the suns ultraviolet (UV) rays. For example, paints made with UV-resistant formulas are popular for exterior surfaces. When painting interiors with latex paint during the summer, make sure youre not painting in temperatures over 85 degrees.
While fall seasons can be rainy, there are some optimal days for building painting. November in Chicago sees average highs of 50 degrees, which is a prime temperature for painting because the chemicals in the paint react perfectly: dry times arent too fast or too slow. The paint dries very evenly in this type of environment. Also, painting in the fall allows you to open windows to let the paint aroma out without having to worry about letting in hot or cold air that can negatively impact the quality of the paint.
Weve established that moisture and painting are not a good mix. Fortunately, Chicagos precipitation subsides during the fall months, September through December. With less moisture in the outside air, the moisture (humidity) on interior surfaces subside compared to summer months, which is why you can expect quality commercial interior painting outcomes during the fall season.
While temperatures in September and October are perfect for painting, they drop to below the preferred levels in the months of November and December, which means opening windows for an interior commercial painting job might not be an option and you should tackle painting projects that call for low- to zero-VOC paints. Should your surfaces require an oil- or solvent-based paint, only schedule these for days when the temperatures are unseasonably warm (50 or above), which will allow you to open windows and air out the fumes.
At Painters Inc., our experience in the Chicago area has informed our decision on the best hours to paint, which in the fall is between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., but that can change depending on the weather and humidity. Climate-controlled interiors allow some flexibility, as the humidity can be controlled indoors, so our crews are often able to work outside of those preferred hours and still achieve quality outcomes.
Its true that paint takes longer to dry in cooler conditions, but when you hire the right contractor, theyll use a paint that dries fast, but doesnt impact the quality of the overall project. They might also use some special ventilation systems to keep the air circulating, allowing them to apply multiple coats to your interiors over the course of a day, which expedites the workflow and will have your commercial interior painting project completed quickly.
There is a window of opportunity for commercial building exterior painting in the fall, which runs from September through October. Chicago temperatures are perfect, with the average low hitting 50 degrees and the highs never exceeding the recommended temperature for applying paint to exterior surfaces. The temperature is important because the paint needs to dry at a consistent rate not too fast or too slow. With the temperature in the sweet spot during these months, you can expect quality outcomes.
Furthermore, there is less rain during the fall than in the summer, so you have a better chance of bypassing any rain-caused delays in your exterior project.
While painting contractors are tied up with all types of projects in the summer, they tend to slow down in the fall, which means they have more availability and can schedule projects over a period of time that best suits the clients needs. And there are also cost savings to consider; the faster the painters can apply paint, the less you pay for labor. Given their need for more work during the fall, most painting contractors lower their fees to attract more business.
Following the relatively dry months of winter, the precipitation ramps up during the spring, which can limit exterior building painting work. Building painting requires at least 36 hours of clear weather, which gives the paint time to dry and protect your building. Wind speed is also important, as too much wind can introduce debris to the wet paint and also dry it too fast. Winds kick up in the spring, so this must also be a consideration. With careful planning, your springtime building painting project is certainly doable.
Its always a good idea to bring in a professional contractor for your springtime painting projects. In fact, you might even save money by doing so, as your paint will last longer, not to mention look better. Quality outcomes are only possible when you hire the right contractor doing the work under the right conditions, including the following:
Even though spring might seem like a less-than-perfect time to start a painting project, there are advantages that cant be ignored. Contact Painters Inc. and well walk you through our springtime painting process and talk about how we will customize our approach to your project.
If youre looking to get that spring clean look in your commercial interiors, the spring season is the perfect time to bring in new colors and bring more vibrance into the space. After a winter hunkered down inside, employees are ready for a fresh aesthetic and sometimes it only takes a few changes to achieve that.
Productivity is an important component to taking on a commercial interior painting project, which is why it is smart to plan your spring painting during off hours and to use low-to-no VOC paints, as the odor of these types of paint wont linger and negatively impact people working indoors. Fortunately, if odor is present, spring weather permits opening windows to air out the property without impacting dry times of the paint or making anyone uncomfortably hot or cold.
As always, heat and humidity are important factors to consider before painting. The warmer spring weather means the climate controls arent as relied upon as they are in the winter and summer. Heating and cooling systems take a lot of moisture out of the air, which can negatively impact the dry times of paint and their ability to adhere to surfaces.
Another perk to addressing your interior needs in the spring is that you beat the rush that painting contractors experience for exterior summer work. This makes late March through May the perfect time to get your interiors completed before the contractors have limited availability.
Winter in the Chicago area is no joke. The harsh weather is tough on commercial exteriors, especially the paint. You get more mileage out of your exterior paint when you hire a trusted contractor using high-quality exterior paint, but even then, after years of punishment, youll begin to see flaking and peeling. This not only looks bad, but it also can lead to structural damage. Springtime is the perfect season for addressing these damages.
One of the top reasons spring is a great time to address commercial exterior painting is due to the temperature. Paint doesnt adhere properly when surfaces are too cold or too hot, but during the spring, particularly April and May, when average highs are in the 50s, thats that perfect temperature for paint to cure. It wont dry too fast or too slow, which is what professional contractors look for, because the paint lasts longer and the client gets more for their money.
Obviously, spring rains can put a damper on paint jobs, as too much moisture in the air or on surfaces is not an ideal situation for applying paint. This is why at Painters Inc., we pay close attention to the forecasts and schedule our exterior projects accordingly.
While the majority of interior painting projects take place in climate controlled areas where paint will dry properly during any season, the main concern with planning these jobs involves humidity. Some interiors will be more humid than others, which means drying times must be adjusted between coats, and that takes careful monitoring on the part of the painters.
The ideal humidity level for interior paint projects in Chicago is between 40 and 70 percent for most types of painting. When the level dips below 40 or rises above 70, the paint doesnt dry correctly, leading to flaws.
Many contractors say the winter is the best season to paint interiors, and this makes sense in Chicago as painting exteriors in freezing cold is basically impossible.
However, heating systems can pull a lot of moisture out of the interior air, causing a lack of humidity, which can negatively impact how paint dries. Quality contractors will carefully monitor humidity levels while undertaking winter interior painting projects.
Similarly, cooling systems also remove moisture from the air, which means interior painting projects during the summer months require the same careful consideration of the humidity. Given the number of contractors that focus on exterior jobs during the summer, its not generally seen as a popular season for interior painting, but inclimate weather will make time for interior projects.
At Painters Inc., were customer-centric, which means we plan our projects around our customers needs. And while we have to work around Mother Natures schedule, we will tackle an interior painting project during any season.
Simply put, the best time for an exterior painting project in Chicago is when the weather allows. Paint must not be applied when there is too much or too little humidity, or when surfaces and ambient air are too hot or too cold. Rain is also a no-go when it comes to exterior painting.
Summer is often the busiest season for exterior painting work. One of the best times to tackle these jobs is early summer, because the blistering heat has yet to set in. Remember, when it gets too hot outside, paint dries too fast, which means it will not last and will need to be repainted really soon. More specifically, the average high in Chicago in June is 77 degrees and average low is 63, which is great for applying paint.
Quality painting contractors will fill their schedules with exterior work in June.
September is another month where the temperature is ideal for painting. The summer heat has abated and the precipitation amount is lower in September than all the spring and summer months, which means exterior projects are far less impacted (delayed) by rain.
Keep in mind that some surfaces can be covered with special paint that can be applied in temperatures as low as 35 degrees or even lower (some solvent-based paints). While its more difficult to apply when cold weather thickens paint, when a job has to be done, there are options outside of the ideal months for taking on an exterior painting project. If your project calls for an oil-based paint, it can be applied at a low of 40 degrees, as its ingredients allow for colder weather drying/curing abilities.
Professional painters know when an exterior project is possible and when its a bad idea and they will schedule the work accordingly. At Painters Inc., we want all of our work to last as long as possible, which is why we only take on exterior work when the conditions are right.
Coming out of a long and hard winter, the refreshing spring weather energizes property managers at condos and HOAs. They begin planning projects to enhance the property. From installing new siding and windows to landscaping all types of improvements are considered and this includes paint. HOA's exterior and interior painting projects are popular during the spring, as the weather (when its not raining) is perfect for applying paint.
Painters often see areas that property managers cannot see, so its not uncommon for painters to spot surfaces and structures that need repair. Its a side benefit that can save big money, because small fixes going unnoticed turn into expensive projects later. Spring is also an easier season to paint exteriors, as the trees and bushes arent in full bloom, making it easier to access areas that might be more complex in the summer.
No matter what season you have your interior exterior painting project scheduled, its important to bring in trusted professionals to do the job for you. With more than 20 years of serving the Chicago area with high-quality interior and exterior painting services, weve built a reputation as a contractor that delivers premium results at a competitive price.
Working closely with property managers, owners and project leaders, we clearly discuss the fine details of every part of the project so nothing is missed. This ensures that the project is completed on time and in a way that best suits the needs of the customer. For example, we work around your hours and bring a high degree of respect for your property and the people working or living in it. The result of our way of doing business is reflected in our comments from customers.
You dont want a painting project to disrupt your workflow you want your property to look great and have that important layer of protection. Some projects are better suited to certain weather conditions, so it only makes sense to plan these in advance. The following are some of the most frequent questions Painters Inc. gets about planning a painting project:
If you know when you want to get started on your project, contacting a painting contractor as far in advance as possible is recommended, especially if your project is during the summer months.
That depends on the type of work. Exterior jobs are best suited for the summer, whereas interior work is perfect for winter.
The preferred range is between 50 and 90 degrees, though some paints are specially formulated to be applied at much lower temperatures.
Anything over 90 degrees is too hot, because at high temperatures, the paint dries too fast and will not adhere well to surfaces.
When paint is applied at surfaces nearing 100 degrees or over, the paint will crack, blister and/or peel.
Chicago temperature averages in the winter are often too cold for painting. In unseasonably warm conditions, exterior painting is possible.
Paint will not dry fast enough in cold weather, which can cause color differences, cracking, blushing and other unsightly appearances. Oil paints become too viscous and will not apply evenly in the cold.
At Painters Inc., we rely on high-performance paints from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore. They produce hardy paints that withstand the elements and look amazing on your exterior (and interior) surfaces.
When paint has faded, chipped, cracked, bubbled or sagged, its time to call in your trusted painting contractor and schedule a consultation. Stains, mold and mildew are also signs that youre in need of new paint.
If you have more questions, contact us at Painters Inc. Were Chicagos go-to painting contractor for interior and exterior work and we can help you with our projects throughout the year.
Eivydas David Phillips
Eivydas David Phillips is the founder and president of Painters Inc. He and his team have built a solid reputation as the preferred painting contractor in the Chicago area, capable of handling variety of complex commercial jobs, completing them on time and surpassing expectations. With a customer-centric focus, Painters Inc guarantees reliability on every job, large or small.Eivydas David Phillips is the founder and president of Painters Inc. He and his team have built a solid reputation as the preferred painting contractor in the Chicago area, capable of handling variety of complex commercial jobs, completing them on time and surpassing expectations. With a customer-centric focus, Painters Inc guarantees reliability on every job, large or small.
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