The market for paint is so competitive that manufacturers never stop fine-tuning their formulas to improve flow, fade resistance, adhesion, flexibility, durability and (last but not least) low-temperature usability. The premium line of Benjamin Moore exterior paints available at Ring's End can be applied at temperatures as low as 40 degrees. This capability can keep your painting business active well into the winter months. However, there are some important guidelines to follow if you want to ensure topnotch results.

Here's what you need to do:

• Use compatible products.  Make sure that the caulks and primers you use are also formulated for application in colder temperatures.  
   
• Follow the sun. The rule for summer painting ("Paint in the shade.") gets turned on its head during cold-weather painting. Now you want to give the sun a chance to warm surfaces before they get painted, and to keep them warm after paint is applied. 
  
  
• Paint in the middle of the day.  Mornings will usually be the coldest part of the day. Use this time to do surface prep and get drop cloths, ladders and other gear in place. You can start painting when surfaces get warm near the middle of the day. Make sure to stop early too, before cold air temperatures can lower surface temperatures below 40 degrees. 
  
  
• Test surface temperature.  Don't let a warm air temperature fool you into thinking that it's OK to start painting. Unless they're dark-toned and exposed to direct sunlight, exterior surfaces won't warm up as quickly as the air temperature after a cold night. With a little practice, you'll be able to tell by feel if a surface is at least 40 degrees or not. 
  
  
• Watch the wet.  Moisture in the air often condenses on cold exterior trim surfaces, so it may be necessary to wipe damp surfaces down and let the sun further dry the area before painting.