Most people wait for the warm weather of spring or summer to undertake painting projects. Though the wind and snow may swirl beyond your windows, the warm, dry atmosphere of your home during winter is actually perfect for painting your interior walls. Winter’s cold, dark days make for bad conditions for outdoor projects but excellent conditions for indoor projects. The following are reasons why painting the interior of your home in winter is a great idea!

Advantages of painting your home’s interior in the winter:

There are a number of reasons why painting your interior walls in winter is a good idea.

• Paint dries faster: The low humidity of the season combined with the dry heat of your furnace makes the paint dry faster in the winter. 
• Not limited by daylight hours: As the interior of your home can be lit by natural and/or artificial lighting, the time frame for painting is not limited by daylight hours. 
• Time to enjoy the results: Since the bitter cold of winter forces you indoors, you’ll have more time to enjoy your new interior paint job. 
• Lower painting costs: Winter is a slow season for residential painters meaning you get a better rate, usually 10 to 30% less than during the warm weather. You can obtain the professional look you desire for a smaller expenditure. 
• More availability: Painting companies are typically less booked and thus more readily available during the cold months making it easier to schedule your project. You receive the time, attention and selection of time slots that you desire.
• More time for fun in the warm weather: Summer is short! Having completed your interior painting project(s) during the winter frees you to enjoy warm-weather activities. 
• No fumes to worry about: Today’s premium paints contain no VOCs making painting in the winter without ventilation danger-free. 
• Banish the winter blues: Your surroundings affect your mood. Don’t let dark cold winter months get you down. Brighten your home with a fresh coat of energizing colour. Adding a vibrant hue of paint to your walls is a quick cure for the winter blues. 
• Maximize your selling potential: If you plan to sell your home in the spring, get the jump on the market by painting your interior during the winter. While others rush to paint in the spring, your home can already be listed. 

Tips for interior painting in winter: 

If you decide to undertake an interior painting project in the winter, remember to:

• Undertake good preparation: Make sure surfaces are clean from dirt and dust. Remove particles with a rag or tack cloth to ensure a smooth surface. Use drop cloths to protect furniture and floors. Use painter’s tape on baseboards, trim, windows, doors, light sockets and cabinets. 
• Paint in the right order: Since drips, spills and splatter are inevitable, paint the ceiling first, then the walls and lastly the trim. 
• Watch those strokes: When using a roller, completely cover the roller before beginning. Remove excess paint to avoid drips. Try an “M” or “W” pattern, making even strokes without lifting the roller. Then fill in the unpainted areas. When you complete an area, lift your roller carefully to avoid leaving a mark. Move to a new spot and repeat the process. 
• Pay attention to temperature: The ideal temperature for oil-based paint application is between 5 and 32 degrees Celsius. Latex paint can be applied between 10 and 29 degrees Celsius. 
• Have patience: Don’t be tempted to quickly start the second coat! Make sure the first coat is completely dry. Different types of paints have different drying times. For oil-based paints, let the walls dry for at least 24 hours before reapplying. If using a latex-based paint, begin your second coat in 4-6 hours.
• Clean thoroughly: Clean up and proper disposal of leftover paint is an important part of the process. If using latex paint, wash brushes with warm water and soap. To remove oil paint, use a paint thinner or solvent. Store leftover paint in a cool dry place for future touch-ups. 

When you think of interior painting, it’s easy to assume your home improvement project should be done in the spring or summer months. But there are many benefits to interior painting in the winter months. Talk to your professional, residential painting company. They have the knowledge, experience and equipment to complete your interior painting project and make your home shine. No matter the season, choosing the right painters and high-quality paint makes all the difference.

Thinking of painting your home’s interior this winter? Call the Calgary residential painting experts, Cal Res Coatings at (403) 917-0579. We have experience with exterior and interior painting. We’re a residential painting contractor that strives for quality, has an eye for detail and colour, and will not rest until your job is done to your satisfaction. Request a free quote today.