Moving Forward Every Day ——November 27, 2009

In winter, the construction temperature should be above 5°C; if it is below 5°C, the formation of the coating layer will be affected, resulting in poor adhesion of the paint film. In summer, due to the high temperatures, the coating dries more quickly, so it is necessary to apply the paint evenly and gently, without repeating the application process multiple times, as this can lead to brush marks that affect the appearance of the coating. It is important to note that workers should not assume that the thicker the paint, the better. In an attempt to save costs, they might dilute the paint with water excessively. However, excessive dilution disrupts the proper proportions of the paint, resulting in a thin coating layer with poor adhesion, which will start to flake off after a short time, causing unnecessary losses for consumers.

When applying paint and coatings in winter, the temperature should generally be no lower than 10°C. By paying attention to aspects such as temperature, ventilation, and the use of additives, it is possible to ensure the quality of application of paints and coatings as well as their ability to maintain their original appearance over time.

When applying various types of paint, painters must follow the temperature requirements specified in the product instructions. The ambient temperature at the time of painting should not be lower than 5°C; for commonly used mixed-color paints, the ambient temperature should be above 0°C, while for varnishes, it must not be lower than 8°C. During winter construction, it is important to keep doors and windows closed to maintain an indoor temperature of at least 5°C. This is especially crucial when working with paint, and it is necessary to wait until the paint is fully dried before opening the doors and windows for ventilation, in order to ensure the quality of the work.

Since the curing of epoxy resin coatings is restricted by temperature, common polyamide curing agents cannot be used during construction in winter. Instead, epoxy resin products that can cure at low winter temperatures must be employed, or construction must take place in an indoor environment where the curing temperature can be increased. Certain amine adduct curing agents are also required, as well as epoxy resin coating products that can cure at low winter temperatures, or work must be carried out in an indoor setting where the curing temperature can be raised.

Before construction, the cracks at the bottom of the wall must be filled in advance, and putty must be applied. The putty should not be applied too thickly, and cement putty should be used as little as possible. In winter, indoor air is dry, leading to rapid water loss, which can easily cause bulging, cracking, and uneven walls. Do not apply too thick a layer during construction; wait until the previous layer is completely dry before applying the next one. Exterior latex paint often cracks when applied in winter; therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the application temperature is above the minimum temperature required for applying the paint, and it is best to apply it strictly according to the temperature specifications given in the product instructions. 　　According to general construction experience, the ambient temperature for applying paint should not be lower than 5℃ ； The ambient temperature during the application of commonly used mixed-color coatings should be at least 0°C ； The ambient temperature during the application of the varnish must not be lower than 8°C. If the temperature is low, an emulsion film-forming aid can be added. Some homeowners keep the heating on during renovation; although this helps maintain a constant indoor temperature, it is important to be aware of the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors to avoid thermal expansion and contraction. This is because extreme temperature differences can also have an impact on the condition of paints and coatings.

Precautions for applying paints in winter: 1. When applying latex paint, ensure that the humidity of the substrate is below 14%; when applying wood paint, ensure that the substrate’s humidity is below 8%, with the relative humidity in the environment being below 85%； 2. The temperature of the substrate on which the latex paint and wood stain are applied must be no lower than 5°C, while the ambient temperature must be no lower than 10°C℃ ； When the ambient temperature remains below 10°C for several consecutive days, construction is not recommended ； 3. When applying various coatings, it is necessary to follow the instructions provided in the product manual strictly, and carefully control the dilution ratio ； 4. Shorten the daily construction period; when working during the day on a surface with frost/ice, wait until the temperature rises and the surface is completely dry before proceeding with the work ； 5. Before applying paint in winter, the curing period for newly built walls should be extended as much as possible, to about 28 days, in order to avoid adverse effects such as efflorescence and bubbling after painting ； 6. For alkyd paints, a layer of fast-drying intermediate coat should be applied first, applying it in as many thin layers as possible to prevent various abnormalities in the paint film caused by slow drying ； 7. The recoating time must be extended; at least one day should pass between applications, and the temperature and humidity of the substrate need to be checked again during the recoating process ； 8. When applying dark/strong-colored coatings, it is recommended not to add water, and the number of application coats should be increased appropriately ； 9. For interior wall decoration, insulation should be maintained as much as possible throughout the process from construction to the formation of the coating layer; once it is completely dry, proper ventilation can be ensured ； 10. During storage, coatings should be kept away from low temperatures for extended periods; the storage temperature must be above 5℃ ；

1# mopeizhi 　　Substrate preparation 　　In addition to choosing qualified materials such as putty powder and adhesives, the type of substrate, the level of smoothness and cleanliness of the surface (including the removal of old coatings, mold, dust, oil stains, etc.), as well as the humidity and acidity of the surface, all affect the final coating result. 　　Selection and Use of Primer 　Applying a primer not only helps to prevent problems such as rusting, discoloration, and mold growth, but it also enhances the adhesion between the primer and the topcoat, resulting in a smoother and more durable topcoat finish. Therefore, applying a primer is essential. 　　Construction procedures It is crucial to ensure that the coating is diluted at the right ratio before application, that it is mixed evenly, and that the workers have proficient construction skills. Excessive dilution can cause the paint to fail to cover the underlying surface and to become powdery; glossy paints may suffer from loss of luster and uneven coloring. Failing to follow the specifications in construction, in order to meet deadlines or save costs, is one of the main reasons why the quality of coatings cannot be guaranteed. 　　Construction environment It is necessary to pay attention to the climate conditions during construction, as well as the conditions of the construction site – such as temperature and humidity, whether it is windy or rainy, the ventilation in the area, and whether the surfaces to be painted and the painting tools are clean. During application, another coat of paint should be applied only after the previous coat has completely dried (approximately 7–15 days; this time may increase in humid weather or poor ventilation). Additionally, doors and windows should be kept open during the application and drying process of each coat to ensure good ventilation; otherwise, the paint coating is prone to bulging and flaking. 　　Product Features 　　There are numerous paint brands and types available on the market today. Failing to understand the application characteristics of a product and not following its instructions carefully can lead to construction quality issues, which are problems that cannot be ignored. Issues such as sagging and mottling may occur due to excessive dilution, while severe brush marks and roller-coating marks can result from an inappropriate choice of application method.

In winter, what are the precautions to take when applying paint? Precautions for painting in winter: 1. When applying latex paint, ensure that the humidity of the substrate is below 14%; when applying wood paint, ensure that the substrate’s humidity is below 8%, with the relative humidity in the environment being below 85%； 2. The temperature of the substrate on which the latex paint and wood stain are applied must be no lower than 5°C, while the ambient temperature must be no lower than 10°C℃ ； When the ambient temperature remains below 10°C for several consecutive days, construction is not recommended ； 3. When applying various coatings, it is necessary to follow the instructions provided in the product manual strictly, and carefully control the dilution ratio ； 4. Shorten the daily construction period; when working during the day on a surface with frost/ice, wait until the temperature rises and the surface is completely dry before proceeding with the work ； 5. Before applying paint in winter, the curing period for newly built walls should be extended as much as possible, to about 28 days, in order to avoid adverse effects such as efflorescence and bubbling after painting ； 6. For alkyd paints, a layer of fast-drying intermediate coat should be applied first, applying it in as many thin layers as possible to prevent various abnormalities in the paint film caused by slow drying ； 7. The recoating time must be extended; at least one day should pass between applications, and the temperature and humidity of the substrate need to be checked again during the recoating process ； 8. When applying dark/strong-colored coatings, it is recommended not to add water, and the number of application coats should be increased appropriately ； 9. For interior wall decoration, insulation should be maintained as much as possible throughout the process from construction to the formation of the coating layer; once it is completely dry, proper ventilation can be ensured ； 10. During storage, coatings should be kept away from low temperatures for extended periods; the storage temperature must be above 5℃ ；

The application of coating materials should be carried out in a heated environment, with a stable indoor temperature that does not experience sudden changes. The relative indoor humidity should not exceed 80% to prevent the formation of condensation water. When applying oil-based coatings, the ambient temperature should be no lower than +5°C; when applying water-based coatings, it should be no lower than +3°C. These temperatures should be adjusted in accordance with the specifications provided in the product instructions

The paint we use is composed of various chemical materials, and in the low temperatures of winter, the properties of these chemical materials change, which in turn has an impact on the application of the paint. 　　Low temperatures affect paint film formation and drying. When paint is applied to the surface of furniture to form a coating, the resin in that coating undergoes a cross-linking reaction. Low temperatures reduce the energy available for molecular movement, thereby slowing down the rate of this cross-linking reaction ； The evaporation of solvents in the coating requires certain energy, and low temperatures also slow down solvent evaporation; all of these are directly related to temperature. 　　For nitrocellulose paint, it is important to control air humidity in winter. Humidity is a key factor that affects the application of nitrocellulose paint; moisture in the air prevents the evaporation of solvents in the paint film. Additionally, the evaporation of solvents removes heat from the paint film, causing its surface temperature to drop. When the surface temperature of the paint film is lower than that of the surrounding area, and given the large temperature difference indoors after heating, water vapor in the air can easily condense on the paint film, resulting in it turning white.