It is not possible to paint the exterior of your house at any time of the year. After all, you’ve probably never witnessed someone painting while atop a ladder in the dead of winter. Why then do exterior paint jobs seem to only occur during a certain season of the year? Hint: it’s not only that no one wants to paint outside in the chilly weather all day!
Best Time of Year to Paint Outdoors
The weather needs to cooperate for your paint job to look excellent. This is because the temperature and environmental factors present at the time of application have a direct impact on how the paint dries.
The best time to choose is when there will be warm, dry days. Examining the weather for the few days before and following your painting day is also a good idea. Before painting, your siding may need a few days to completely dry off if it has recently rained. The same is true for the day after application; you want to ensure that it won’t rain while your paint is still curing.
Additionally, you should be cautious of significant temperature changes from day to night. The paint will react and won’t cure correctly if you have ideal temps during the day and then a sharp dip when the sun goes down. Once more, this can result in a surface that isn’t perfectly smooth and may even start to peel and break.
What kind of weather is best for painting the outside? The greatest weather is typically seen in the early summer and early fall, with little chance of precipitation and little change in day-to-night temperature. This will guarantee that the paint applies easily and has a chance to fully dry and cure.
What Temperature Should It Be Outside to Paint?
We’ve already said that the summer is the best season to paint your exterior. While summer generally brings us dry weather and little to no rain, it also brings with it intense heat. A less-than-ideal finish could result from the paint drying too quickly when it’s too hot outside. This results in unsightly brush strokes and occasionally dried-on paint clumps being applied to freshly painted surfaces. (Not to mention the fact that painting outside in the sweltering heat is not a good idea for anyone.)
Always try to choose a day that won’t be too hot. Additionally, you should be aware of the humidity levels. When it’s not too humid, paint typically dries the fastest. According to where you reside and the season, early summer and early fall typically have the optimum temperatures. If you stick to these seasons, you’ll probably have great weather for painting!
What Should You Avoid?
When it’s raining outside, don’t paint!
Avoid painting on wet days, and make sure all the surfaces are absolutely dry before you start. If you want to have a flawlessly even application, this is crucial.
Don’t paint in temperatures that are too high or too low!
Since it’s typically too cold for the paint to be able to dry and completely cure in the middle of winter, you shouldn’t try to paint outside during that time. Since excessive heat can interfere with how the paint dries, some days may be deemed too hot for painting. Since your paint will still be curing at night, keep in mind that it is important to ensure the conditions are ideal. Since they are all a little different, it really relies on the precise kind and brand of paint you’re using. Ask a professional if you’re unsure whether the environment is suitable for outside painting. (You can get assistance from your painter or paint supplier.)
Avoid attempting to paint outside of the season
If you live in a northern area, you may be able to continue painting into the fall, but most people give up after November since it’s frequently too cold. Some southern regions can continue painting well into the winter because the weather is warm enough there.
Of fact, the best time to paint will largely depend on the climate in your area, but if you follow these general tips, you’ll be guaranteed a perfect result.
