Paint sticking happens when two surfaces that have been freshly painted are pressed together without allowing enough time for each fresh coat of paint to completely dry before applying the next coat.
The most common of areas that this may happen is on and around window and door frames and when painting the front door area. By not allowing sufficient time for the fresh paint on the door and on the frame or trim to completely dry will cause the paint to stick and possibly crack or peel.
photo credit benjamin moore website
It is quickly and easily visible on a freshly painted window or door. If enough drying time between coats of paint has not passed you will quickly see that the paint may stick, begin to peel or transfer over to the other surface area such as the door jamb or frame, or the weather stripping.
Exterior paint needs to dry for at least 2 to 3 hours before applying another coat and should be left to completely dry for about 6 to 8 hours before the door or windows are closed to prevent any of the paint sticking problems.
Why Does Paint Stick
Paint sticks to the other surface because of insufficient drying time to allow the paint to completely dry before closing the door or windows.
Using cheaper low quality paints will result in having poor results especially in warmer, damp conditions. Humidity and moisture are the two main culprits for paint peeling, but also hiring inexperienced painters can also be a reason why paint is sticking. Hiring the best painters and using quality paint products will make all the difference to making sure that the appropriate paint and paint finish is applied and an experienced and reliable painting contractor will allow sufficient drying time between each new coat o paint.
How to Fix Paint Sticking
If the situation has already occurred where the paint is sticking to the door or window frame simply follow these tips to fix.
Tip #1 Scrape and remove any loose paint
Tip # 2 Sand the surface to smooth any imperfections
Tip # 3 Clean the area with damp cloth and allow enough time to dry
Tip # 4 Use top quality paint primer and paint and allow proper drying time in between coats
Tip # 5 Read manufacturers instructions on the paint cans. Information is key to successful painting results
Bonus Tip Use Vaseline around the door or window frame to prevent the paint from sticking and avoid peeling paint
How to Prevent Paint from Sticking
Before getting started on painting any exterior doors or windows make sure you start with plenty of time, and ensure the area has the good ventilation. Starting early in the day will give ample hours to pass for the paint to dry before evening sets in.
Recommended drying times for interior painting is at least 2 to 3 hours and for exterior painting it should be at least 6 to 8 hours for optimal time to lapse before you close the doors or windows and avoid any paint problems.
Experienced painters will sometimes use petroleum jelly a.k.a. vaseline around the frame or weather-strip where the door meets the frame or jamb to help prevent the problem of paint sticking. If homeowners need to close the door and windows before the paint is completely dry, another tip is to place wax paper in-between the door frame and the door to prevent the paint from transferring. This will also allow the homeowner to close and lock their door at night.
Call On The Experts
Planning ahead will help prevent the headache of paint sticking or peeling from happening. Follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions regarding application and drying time.
If this a concern that you would rather not have to deal with for yourself, call on the experts at Ottawa painters to help.
