I have been amiss at posting my published columns from the Idaho Press-Tribune for those of you who do not receive the printed paper. Please be patient as I try to catch up

Printed in the Idaho Press-Tribune September 12, 2009:

As Labor Day passes, the unofficial end to our summer activities, and all the little kiddies head back to school, we realize we are running out of time for our outdoor projects to be completed. If you had planned on painting your home this summer, and it still hasn't happened, not to worry! Whether doing it yourself, or having a contractor do it, there is still much more time.

I am sure you have all noticed that it is getting dark much earlier, one of my least favorite parts of fall and winter. I love long, peaceful evenings on the patio, and they will soon be a thing of the past. But you also have to notice the temperatures are dipping in the evening, another big sign of the change in seasons. But like I said, if you have a big outdoor project planned, there is still time.

I always plan on the weather holding for exterior paint jobs until the end of October. Sometimes this gets messed up a little, the last week of October is always a little iffy, but most of the time this is the measurement I use. So that leaves you with a good six weeks to get on the stick.

Of course there are some adjustments that have to be made. It is usually too nippy in the early morning, and many times in October there will also be frost to deal with. So you have to plan to start your work a little later in the morning. Also, when frost is present, it doesn't mean you can't paint, you simply have to have a strategy. There is always a warm side of the house, and that is where you work until the temperature begins to climb. Just like in the heat of July, as we try to work with the shade, just reverse this, seeking the sun bathed sides of your home. This will insure you don't get in trouble with the temperature.

Also, when they rate paint for temperature application (on the side of the can it will say to apply only within a certain temperature range) this means surface temperature, not air. In other words, it might be 70 degrees outside, but on the north side of your home, which never sees the sunshine, the surfaces you are trying to work with might be down right cold. This is definitely something to watch out for, as it will be a true cause of problems down the road.

Right now, our temperatures are fine pretty much anytime of the day. But if you procrastinate too much longer, you will have to use my pick and choose method of where you work, but it will still work out. Always save your north side to the heat of the day and you will be fine. Also, if doing your home yourself, don't scrimp on your paint. Always use a quality paint from a reputable paint supplier, most of which is now considered low temp paints. This will insure your paint longevity. My personal choice is the Ambassador line from Kwals. It is a premium paint line, at a very reasonable cost, and is a dream to work with.

Now, if you have no intention of doing the work yourself, but have not begun the process of getting estimates and booking contractors, you are still ok. Our economy has given more flexibility to most painting contractors and you should still be able to get the work done before the bad weather hits. In other words, call me, asap, and we can most likely work it out! Don't let your house sit through another season of rain and snow if it truly needs a good paint job.