Decorating is the last thing you want when a heatwave strikes, but if your renovation With deadlines fast approaching, you may feel like you have no choice but to get stuck.
Just cracking on with your DIY jobs may seem like the right thing to do, but experts warn that doing so can be counterproductive—and result in you having to redo the job.
Below, we reveal the decorating jobs you should never attempt in hot weather and what can happen if you do.
What decorating tasks should I avoid in a heatwave?
According to Faith Jones, the worst decorating job during a heatwave is painting. TaskHer. She says it’s “one of those things people don’t think about until it goes wrong.”
The reason is that paint dries faster than it should in hot weather, making it difficult to maintain a consistently wet edge. The result? Patchy finish, visible brush or roller marks and lap marks that do not level out.
High-gloss paints like satinwood, eggshell, and gloss are the worst offenders, Faith explains, because they’re more likely to show application marks. However, she adds that colics and the outer covering can also be affected, so “patience really does pay off.”
“I always advise homeowners to avoid painting in direct sunlight, especially exterior walls, fences or south-facing rooms, and to work during the coolest parts of the day, ideally early in the morning,” he says.
“It’s also worth remembering that surfaces can be hotter than the air temperature, even if it doesn’t feel particularly hot outside. My advice is always: if in doubt, wait it out. A hasty decorating job during a heatwave is rarely as good as one done in the right conditions.”
It’s not just applying paint that you should avoid. take it away Heat guns are also a bad idea, according to Jackie Sanders, founder of Signature interior finish.
Not only will a heat gun generate extra heat (making the job more uncomfortable), but paint fumes also seem more intense in hot, humid conditions. With that in mind, Jackie recommends avoiding this activity during a heatwave.
No time to waste? These products can help
Taking a break? These plastic, reusable covers will prevent your rollers and brushes from drying out.
Flotrol paint conditioner
This water-based conditioner makes it easier to work with paint in hot, humid or cold conditions.
This bucket will keep your paint airtight and leak-proof, preventing it from drying out when not in use.
Faith Jones is a London-based painter and decorator and a regular tradeswoman on Tasker. She pursued her career after leaving the fashion industry, where she worked as a surface and pattern designer. She trained for her City and Guilds qualifications before setting up independently.
Jackie Sanders is the founder of Signature Interior Finishes, which offers bespoke painting and decorating services in the Midlands.
As we’ve learned, decorating in hot weather isn’t just physically unpleasant; It can also be a complete waste of time if you have to repaint over brush marks after a few days. So, if you can afford to delay your painting projects a little longer, it is highly recommended.
If you’re struggling to beat the heat, check out our tried and tested round-up Best cooling fans Or find out how UV can damage your home without you understanding.
