We are supposed to have our porch and garage painted tomorrow. Is it too cold to paint outside? If it were, I would assume the guy would tell me. Otherwise he knows I wouldn't want him to come back to paint my interior of my house 2 weeks later? Also, is it too cold to paint inside (I know...silly question but want to make sure). Also, should my kids and I leave the house during the day while they paint the downstairs or if staying upstairs with door closed is ok.
If you haven't bought any paint yet, make sure you get low VOC paint. The major manufacturers make low VOC paints now. It might cost a bit more, but it is much healthier to breathe. Anyway, you should be fine indoor or out with the painting. A painter won't paint if it won't look good--he doesn't want any complaints or do-overs.
Good luck.
Amy
Hi Nicole -
I agree about the fumes. If it is latex, you are fine. You may want to try to get out for a bit, but you can even paint with latex when you are pregnant. Paint has recommendations for the ideal temperatures (it will state it on the can). When we had our outside windows painted, we went with a company that stood behind their work for a year. So I would make sure the painter does that for your outside paint, it does have a tendency to chip and peel due to intense sun, heat, cold and moisture. Also be concerned about it it is too wet out to do your outside painting, not just too cold. I think if the painter will stand behind his work for a year, then he will want to paint when the conditions are right. Have it in writing though. If he won't stand behind it, then I would do your research (about good temperatures etc) and you dictate the date he paints and base it on conditions you think are optimal.
Best of luck.
S.
Ok, there is a point where it is too cold to paint outside. Inside, you are fine. Tomorrow you are ok to paint inside or outside. I just had my deck painted yesterday and it will be warmer tomorrow. Today it was too cold. Check the can of paint. It should have a temperature on it when the paint cannot be used outside. About staying home... you are fine. You are not using an oil based paint so not to worry about fumes. I hope it turns out beautiful!
Personally, I would feel very nervous painting and staying in the house when doing it. There are still poisonous fumes regardless of oil based, latex based, etc. Almost all paints are hazardous to be breathed in such concentration. The only one I am not sure about is acrylics but even those are not wonderful and most ppl. don't paint homes with them. Good luck and hope you and your kids stay well.
