The most common difficulties encountered during the winter while apply quality
acrylic latex paint is an uneven look due to roller marks, curtaining and picture framing (when cutting and rolling looks different).
There is a very simple explanation for this and it has to do with drying time. In the winter when temperatures drop below -10C it becomes extremely dry inside your home causing the drying time for quality acrylics to be reduced from 20 to 30 minutes to under 5 minutes, sometimes when it is extremely cold out it can take less than 2 minutes.
When this occurs and if no action is taken to slow down the drying time, back-rolling becomes nearly impossible and you are in essence putting 2 coats in some areas and 1 in others causing a very uneven look on the walls. This problem becomes more noticeable with darker colors.
What can be Done?
Reduce the temperature and air circulation in the room by closing doors and vents while the room is being painted. This will allow the paint to flow and level better as it will slow the drying time.
Floetrol can be added to wall paint to further slow the drying time and improve flow and leveling of the paint.
A top quality roller with the proper nap (10mil) will also aid in achieving an even finish.
The proper amount of paint needs to be used on the walls. Stretching out your paint will exasperate the problem by reducing the flow and leveling of the paint coat.
The reason this problem is not as significant in lower quality paints is due to the fact they have higher solvent contents while Quality Acrylics are much higher in solids.
This is one reason why at 360renos we use only quality paints such as C2 and Pratt and Lambert
Give us a call when you are ready for your next painting project -
360renos
The flooring is a beautiful 18"x18" travertine tile. We set the tiles tight together with minimal grout lines We placed the tile up the wall and accented the top with 1" travertine tile that comes on mesh sheets and is cut down to the appropriate size.
A new vanity with marble top and a funky 'water pump' faucet. Living in the country has its own set of challenges for fresh water so we had to drill the marble counter for a water softener faucet - no problem with the right tools.
