Is it okay to paint on a cloudy day without sunlight?

[StLane]

Painting on a cloudy day without sunlight is not recommended. Here is an introduction to car paint-related content: Spray paint: White spray paint is primarily used to repair scratches on cars, but it certainly falls short of the effect achieved by baked paint. Adhesion: The adhesion of spray paint is much worse than that of baked paint, and it may start peeling off after about a year. The paint surface not only has a certain color difference compared to the original factory paint but also lacks the gloss of baked paint. Therefore, if you have high requirements for the paint surface, try to avoid using spray paint. Here is additional information about scratches: Scratches: During daily use, it is unavoidable for hard objects to scratch the car paint, leaving marks. For example, zippers on a passerby's backpack or small stones kicked up while driving can leave slight marks on the paint. Coating treatment: Minor scratches are the most common on car bodies, but they usually do not affect the overall appearance. In such cases, they can generally be ignored. For perfectionists, visiting a car detailing shop for treatments like paint coating can help restore some of the minor scratches on the car paint.

[LaThomas]

From my experience, painting on cloudy days without direct sunlight is actually beneficial, as it avoids issues like overly rapid drying and discoloration caused by the sun. However, humidity is the key concern. In humid conditions, moisture can mix into the paint, leading to bubbling or unevenness after drying, which affects the overall finish. The ideal conditions for painting are temperatures between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, with humidity not exceeding 60%, otherwise problems may arise. Before starting, use a hygrometer to check humidity—if it's too high, wait or consider working in a garage or shed. During application, maintain proper spray gun distance and speed, applying thin, even coats without over-spraying. Let the paint dry thoroughly afterward, avoiding premature use or exposure to water. Additionally, paint quality heavily depends on surface preparation—ensure proper sanding and cleaning before painting to prevent peeling later. In summary, cloudy days are feasible, but monitoring humidity and temperature is crucial.

[AmyMarie]

As someone who frequently dabbles in car painting, I think overcast days without direct sunlight are worth trying for spray painting cars. I've tried it several times before, and overcast days work better than sunny ones because strong sunlight dries the paint too quickly, which can lead to cracking. As long as humidity is controlled on overcast days, it's fine. To simplify the painting process: high air humidity can cause the paint to absorb moisture, leading to uneven gloss or small bubbles. So, check the weather forecast before painting and avoid rainy or high-humidity periods. Find a sheltered spot for painting, use fine sandpaper to remove rust and dust from the car body, adjust the spray gun to medium pressure, and apply the paint in light, multiple coats. After painting, let it dry naturally for a day or two before driving. Don't skimp on cheap paint—opt for high-quality automotive paint for better durability. Painting is all about attention to detail; overcast weather isn't the issue—preparation and patience are key.

[LouisMarie]

From an environmental perspective, painting on overcast days without direct sunlight is feasible, but humidity must be carefully monitored as it affects the drying process. Ideal painting conditions involve moderate humidity and temperature, with overcast skies reducing dust contamination and heat distortion risks. However, high humidity slows solvent evaporation, potentially causing bubbles, orange peel texture, or even paint runs. Recommended practices include checking humidity levels before painting (40%-60% is ideal; avoid above 70%), maintaining a 20-30cm spray distance for even thin coats, and ensuring post-paint ventilation while avoiding drafts. Related weather tips: avoid painting before rainy seasons and always clean surfaces to prevent impurities. With proper planning, excellent results can still be achieved on cloudy days.