Protect, Preserve Ag Structures at the Right Time with the Right Paint

Sponsored by Farm Paint

Choosing the right time to paint and type of paint for barns, fences, silos, and other agricultural structures requires consideration of climate and environmental conditions. Using the best paint for the job, and painting in optimal weather conditions will achieve better results and extend the life of capital assets. It’s important to ensure paint has proven reliable; and safe for livestock, humans, and the environment.

Regardless of climate, a paint with superior reflectivity and cooling characteristics, like FarmPaint Premium Aluminum Paint, is best for grain bins, silos, roofs, chain link fences and other metal surfaces that require weatherproofing. For the best results, it’s important to paint only when the minimum temperature is 50º F and rising and it is not expected to drop within a 24-hour period, or if rain is expected within 24 hours. These temperature and 24-hour best practices apply to the following types of paints as well.

Climate: Moderate, Fluctuating Temperatures, and Humidity

In areas where moderate, fluctuating temperatures and high humidity are common, water-based, FarmPaint FP300 Acrylic Fence & Barn Paintis ideal. Acrylic paint is flexible, has good adhesion properties, resists mold and mildew, and is fortified with UV inhibitors to resist fading; and stands up well to varying temperatures and moisture levels. Flexibility is important to accommodate surfaces that expand in warmer temperatures, and contract when it’s cold. Acrylic paint is also easy to clean, so a power wash can restore a freshly painted look for a number of years.

Extreme Temperatures and Coastal Exposure

Agricultural structures see more rapid wear and tear in areas with hot summers; long, cold winters; high winds; and potential for extreme temperatures.  Likewise, it’s more challenging to maintain agricultural buildings in humid, salt-exposed coastal areas. Given those conditions, FarmPaint Premium, One-Coat, 100-Percent Acrylic Barn & Fence Paint will prove most efficient and durable. In coastal areas, it maintains a clean, refreshed look, requiring fewer touch-ups. The one-coat feature is great for areas where surfaces need to be quickly painted.

Dry and/or Extreme Temperature Variations

Again, FarmPaint Premium, One-Coat, 100-Percent Acrylic Barn & Fence Paint is ideal in climates with extreme temperature variations and dry conditions.  This paint provides better pigments and resins, to ensure enhanced durability, coverage, and resistance to environmental factors.

In desert and semi-arid climates with extreme temperatures and UV exposure, this paint provides more longevity and protection to withstand intense sun and heat. Likewise, it can handle harsh, winter conditions and significant temperature swings.

FarmPaint Liquid Fence Rubberized Coating is another great option for these weather conditions. High, rubberized flexibility allows it to expand and contract with surfaces exposed to extreme temperature changes in desert and semi-arid areas. Likewise, it stands up well to freeze-thaw cycles typical in the Rocky Mountains, accommodating movement without damage.

When to Paint: Mild Climates

Timing is crucial when it comes to painting agricultural structures to ensure optimal adhesion and durability. In mild climates, painting between spring and fall is a safe bet.

Desert and Semi-Arid

The best time to paint in desert and semi-arid areas is between fall and early spring. Similar to the Southwest, fall and early spring offer more moderate temperatures and lower UV levels, which are better for paint application and curing.

Southwest Desert

In the Southwest, spring or fall, when temperatures are more moderate, it’s easier to work with paint to ensure proper drying and curing. Painting during extreme heat causes paint to dry too quickly, which can negatively affect the finish.

Wet and Cold Spring and Fall

In areas where spring and fall can be wet and cold, painting during the summer will yield the best results. A water-based acrylic paint fortified with UV inhibitors and elastomeric polymers is a perfect choice protecting and sprucing up agricultural structures. It’s flexible, has good adhesion properties, resists mold and mildew, and resists fading, while standing up to extreme temperatures.