Decorating is the last thing you want to do when a heatwave strikes, but if your renovation deadline is quickly approaching, you may feel you have no choice but to get stuck in.
It might seem sensible to just crack on with your DIY jobs, but experts have warned that doing so could be counterproductive – and could even result in you having to redo the task all over again.
Below, we reveal the decorating job you should never attempt in hot weather and what could happen if you do.
What decorating job should I avoid in a heatwave?
Painting is the worst decorating job to tackle during heatwave, according to Faith Jones, painter and decorator at TaskHer. She says it's "one of those things people don’t think about until it’s gone wrong."
The reason is that paint dries quicker than it should in hot weather, making it difficult to maintain a consistent wet edge. The result? Patchy finishes, visible brush or roller marks, and lap marks that don't level out.
Faith explains that higher-sheen paints, such as satinwood, eggshell and gloss, are the worst offenders, as they are more likely to show application marks. However, she adds that caulks and exterior coatings can also be affected, so "patience really does pay off."
"I always advise homeowners to avoid painting in direct sunlight, particularly exterior walls, fences or south-facing rooms, and to work during the coolest parts of the day, ideally early morning," she says.
"It’s also worth remembering that surfaces can be much hotter than the air temperature, even if it doesn’t feel especially warm outside. My advice is always: if in doubt, wait it out. A rushed decorating job during a heatwave is rarely as good as one completed under the right conditions."
It's not just applying paint that you should avoid. Stripping it off with a heat gun is also a bad idea, according to Jackie Sanders, founder of Signature Interior Finishes.
Not only will the heat gun generate additional heat (making the job even more uncomfortable), but the paint fumes can also feel more intense in hot, humid conditions. With that in mind, Jackie recommends avoiding this task during a heatwave.
No time to waste? These products can help
Taking a break? These plastic, re-usable covers will prevent your rollers and brushes from drying out.
This water-based conditioner makes paint easier to work with in hot, humid or cold conditions.
This bucket will keep your paint airtight and leak-proof, preventing it from drying out when it’s not in use.
Faith Jones is a London-based painter and decorator and a regular tradeswoman on TaskHer. She built her career after leaving the fashion industry, where she worked as a surface and pattern designer. She trained for her City & Guilds qualification before setting up independently.
Jackie Sanders is the founder of Signature Interior Finishes, offering 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 end up having to repaint over brush marks a few days later. So, if you can afford to delay your painting projects a little longer, it's highly recommended.
If you're struggling to beat the heat, check out our tried-and-tested round-up of the best cooling fans or find out how UV might be damaging your home without you realising it.
