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Painting

Pollen Season & Exterior Painting: What you need to know

By Mike | Published April 13, 2021
You don’t need to look at the calendar to know it’s pollen season. If you typically suffer from allergies, your body has already alerted you that it’s allergy season! Thick layers and clouds of pollen – some are invisible to the human eye – are everywhere. Annoying would be an understatement, especially for allergy sufferers!
You might be asking yourself if you can schedule an exterior paint job despite the pollen. That’s a good question, and the answer is YES!
We can work right through the pollen season. However, there are a few extra steps we take to ensure a quality paint job:
      • Any surface we work on must be clean before we paint. When pollen is so prevalent at this time of the year, a thorough power washing or wiping down might be necessary before painting a vertical or horizontal surface.
      • Pollen is less likely (but not impossible) to adhere to vertical exterior surfaces, so a good wiping down might suffice. Sometimes, however, it will still be necessary to power wash before painting for better outcomes.
      • Most horizontal exterior surfaces will likely need to be power washed.
      • Acrylic paints dry quickly, making it less likely that the pollen will affect the paint surface or compromise the paint’s quality.
      • Our crews are experienced and know how to work outside during pollen season.
      • We ensure that our crews are well equipped.
Pollen aside, Spring is an ideal time of year to work on exterior painting projects because the weather is mild – heat and humidity are lower. The conditions are far more pleasant for our crews to be outside.
If you would like to talk to us about painting your home’s exterior, this would be an ideal time, but our schedule does fill up. Please call our office to schedule a free estimate. We take pride in our work and would love to help you.

FAQ

1. How does pollen season affect exterior painting?

Pollen season can significantly impact exterior painting by causing pollen particles to stick to wet paint, which may result in poor adhesion, a patchy or flaky finish, and even staining—especially on lighter colors. High pollen counts can also prevent paint from drying properly, leading to long-term quality issues.

2. Is it possible to paint the exterior of a house during pollen season?

Yes, it is possible to paint during pollen season, but it requires careful preparation and timing. Surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned to remove pollen, and painting should be scheduled for days with lower pollen counts, ideally after rain or during early morning or evening when pollen is less active.

3. What are the best practices for exterior painting during pollen season?

Key best practices include:

  • Power washing and dusting all surfaces immediately before painting to remove pollen and debris.

  • Using high-quality, fast-drying paints to minimize the window for pollen to stick.

  • Painting in small sections and covering wet paint if possible.

  • Avoiding painting on windy days, as wind can carry more pollen onto wet surfaces.

  • Monitoring local pollen forecasts and choosing days with lower pollen levels.

4. Can pollen permanently damage a new paint job?

If pollen is not removed before painting, it can cause issues like flaking, peeling, and staining, which compromise the durability and appearance of the paint. However, if surfaces are properly cleaned and painting is done during low pollen periods, the risk of permanent damage is greatly reduced.

5. Should I hire a professional for exterior painting during pollen season?

Hiring a professional is recommended, especially during pollen season. Professionals have the experience and equipment to thoroughly clean surfaces, choose optimal painting times, and apply paint efficiently, reducing the risk of pollen-related problems and ensuring a high-quality, long-lasting finish.

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