Curing for Industrial Painting – Winter vs. Summer in Houston

downtown Houston with buildings painted by industrial painting contractor
An industrial painting contractor local to Houston can anticipate and work with local weather when it comes to painting.

A fresh coat of paint by an industrial painting contractor helps protect and preserve structures and equipment, especially in demanding industrial environments. A key factor to this paint job is proper curing. Curing ensures a durable, long-lasting finish that can withstand the elements and heavy use.

Houston’s scorching summers and humid winters both present different challenges for achieving optimal curing. Today we will discuss those challenges and provide practical strategies for achieving great results year-round. 

If you need help with your next paint refresh project, Keeton Construction Services has the expertise and experience to handle it for you. We’re an experienced industrial painting contractor that works with businesses across the greater Houston area. Contact us today for an industrial painting quote.

What is Curing?

Curing is often confused with drying, but they are distinct processes. Drying simply refers to the evaporation of solvents from the paint film, leaving a solid layer. Curing is a chemical reaction that transforms the paint into a hard, durable coating. Think of it like baking a cake—mixing the ingredients is like drying, and baking the cake is like curing, where heat triggers chemical changes that solidify the mixture and give it its final form.

Different types of industrial coatings rely on different curing mechanisms. Some cure through oxidation, reacting with oxygen in the air. Others require catalysts or heat to initiate the curing process. 

Factors like temperature, humidity, and airflow significantly influence curing times and the final quality of the coating, especially for outdoor paint jobs. Too much humidity can hinder solvent evaporation and lead to defects, while insufficient heat can slow down the curing reaction. Achieving the right balance helps lock in your paint job so it lasts for years to come.

How Our Weather Affects Paint – Industrial Painting Contractor

Houston’s climate is notorious for its extremes, swinging from muggy, mild winters to scorching, humid summers. Winters in Houston rarely see freezing temperatures, but the high humidity and occasional cold snaps can significantly slow down the curing process. This increases the risk of blushing, a whitish discoloration caused by moisture trapped in the paint film, and can even lead to an incomplete cure, leaving the coating soft and vulnerable.

Summers, on the other hand, bring intense heat and humidity, coupled with strong sunlight. While warm temperatures can accelerate drying, excessive heat can cause the solvents to evaporate too quickly, leading to surface defects like blistering and cracking. The intense UV radiation can also degrade the paint film, causing fading and chalking over time.  

Tips for Curing in Winter

For industrial painting projects in the winter, maintaining the minimum temperature required for proper curing is crucial. This might involve using heated enclosures, infrared heaters, or strategically scheduling painting during the warmest parts of the day.

High humidity levels are also a concern. Using dehumidifiers can help control moisture and prevent condensation. Proper ventilation is also essential to ensure adequate airflow and prevent solvent entrapment, which can hinder the curing process.

Since curing times are naturally prolonged in cooler temperatures, it’s important to factor this into project timelines. We don’t want to rush the process. You can use appropriate testing methods, such as hardness tests or solvent rubs, to monitor the curing progress and ensure the coating has reached its full cure before you put the painted surface into service.

Tips for Curing in Summer

The intense heat and UV radiation in summer can quickly damage freshly applied coatings, so protecting painted surfaces from direct sunlight is important. This can be achieved by using shades, tarps, or specially designed covers. Consider selecting UV-resistant coatings for added protection against the harsh sun.

While warm temperatures are generally beneficial for curing, excessive heat can be detrimental especially during the hottest parts of the day between 10 am and 4 pm. If working in enclosed spaces, we use cooling systems or air conditioning to maintain a moderate temperature.  

Controlling solvent evaporation is also key in the summer heat, so paint should be applied in thin coats to prevent solvent entrapment and blistering. We can also choose slower-evaporating solvents or retarders, which slow down the drying process and give the coating more time to level and cure properly.

Professional Industrial Painting Contractor in Houston

For best results, leave your next industrial painting project to the experts. Keeton Construction Services has the knowledge and experience to manage all your painting needs, regardless of the season. Contact us today for a free industrial painting quote.