As a commercial and residential painting service in Pompano Beach for over 20 years, we’ve had the privilege of working on hundreds of projects in South Florida.
And in our hometown we’ve seen an insane increase in population from colder areas, many of whom are moving into homes and renovating houses and businesses.
But before you start a paint job for yourself or hire professionals like us, there’s a few things you should know about painting which is different from colder climates you might be from.
Climate Matters a Ton for Painting
One of the biggest factors that distinguish South Florida’s painting from the rest is its climate.
Here in South Florida, we experience a tropical climate with high humidity, high temperatures, and a distinct wet season.
These conditions offer unique challenges for painting operations.
For example, the high humidity can affect the drying time and adhesion of paint. What this means is that paints formulated for high humidity are often used to ensure proper drying and to prevent issues like blistering or mold growth.
The heat can also accelerate the drying too much, which can lead to uneven application and poor curing.
There’s also the problem of salty air by the coasts, which is another problem inexperienced painters in Florida run into.
Proximity to the ocean means that buildings are often exposed to salty air, which can corrode metal and degrade paint faster.
As such, companies like us at Smart Coat Painting use products that are resistant to salt corrosion, such as high-grade acrylics or epoxy coatings that can withstand these harsh environmental conditions and saltiness.
Conversely, in colder climates, commercial painters must contend with very different issues.
Cold weather can greatly extend the drying time of paint and even prevent certain types of paint from setting properly. Latex-based paints, for instance, should not be applied in temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Precipitation and freezing temperatures mean that exterior painting often cannot be conducted in winter months, which limits the painting season to a shorter period during the year.
Concrete Is Everywhere, Not Wood
In many cold areas like New England or even parts of California, homes and businesses are made out of wood.
In Florida, almost every building you’ll see both residential and commercial is made from concrete.
When painting wood, preparation often involves sanding to remove old paint or smooth out the surface, filling any holes or cracks with wood filler, and ensuring the wood is clean and dry.
Priming is crucial for wooden surfaces to prevent moisture penetration, reduce wood grain raising, and enhance paint adhesion.
Primers specific to wood are designed to penetrate the porous surface and provide a solid base for topcoats.
In contrast, in Florida we mostly work with concrete structures, which require different preparations.
For example, new concrete must be allowed to cure for at least 28 days before painting. The surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned and any existing efflorescence (a white powdery residue that can form on the surface) must be removed.
Unlike wood, concrete is highly alkaline, so a primer suited for alkaline surfaces is necessary to prevent the paint from reacting adversely with the concrete.
There Are No Painting Seasons Here
Here’s some good news:
Many recent movers have asked us about “painting seasons” and when they should schedule projects to start.
South Florida’s painting season is year-round thanks to its mild winters.
However, the only downside is that the rainy seasons here between May and October can complicate outdoor painting due to sudden storms and prolonged wet conditions.
We also have to deal with our own version of bad snow storms which are hurricanes and wild winds.
In colder regions, the painting season is typically restricted to late spring through early fall.
Winter conditions are not suitable for painting due to low temperatures and snow, which means that projects must be carefully scheduled to take advantage of optimal conditions.
What Matters More Than Seasons Is Who’s Doing the Painting
Whether you’re working on your own indoor or outdoor painting projects or something much larger – professional guidance matters more than timing.
Similar to how an all-star basketball player will play better than you, it’s not because of their shoes, it’s because of who they are.
Commercial painting in South Florida faces unique challenges and opportunities compared to its colder counterparts.
The persistent high humidity, salt air, and intense sunlight necessitate a careful approach to material selection and application techniques.
But if you’re looking for a South Florida painter who get’s the job right, give us a call at (561) 286-3826.
