When should I paint the outside of my house?

So, what is the ideal weather for exterior painting? Early summer and early fall usually offer up the best weather conditions, with minimal rain and minimal fluctuations in temperature from day to night. This will ensure the paint goes on smoothly and has the chance to dry and cure properly.

What time of year is best to paint exterior of house?

The optimal painting season for house exteriors is typically regarded as summer. By that point in the year, the weather is warm and rain is at a minimum.

When should you not paint outside of house?

best results we recommend not painting if the temp drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold weather can also compromise the overall life expectancy of your paint. Oil-based paints thicken in cold weather, causing your paintbrush to stiffen.

What time of year should you paint your house?

Generally, this means that the spring or fall, when the temperatures are more moderate, will be the best time to paint your house exterior. A new paint project also requires dry weather, so if rain is in the forecast, it's not the best time to paint outside.

What month should I paint my house?

Wait for Warm Weather

Since most exterior paint requires an ambient temperature of about 50 degrees, painting contractors risk poor paint application if they paint during the spring. Holding off until summer temperatures have truly arrived in late June, July, August, or early September produces the best results.

Watch This Before You Paint Your House’s Exterior - Spencer Colgan

Can you paint outside of house in winter?

You CAN Paint Your Exterior in the Winter

Since overnight temperatures can often chill exterior walls even if the ambient temperature is over 35 degrees, we often start painting in the late morning after the sun has warmed up the surface of the home and stop painting around mid-day to give the paint time to cure.

Should I power wash my house before I paint it?

So, yes — you should power wash your house before painting so that the new coat of paint will properly bond to your home exterior. Power washing is the key to ensuring a long-lasting paint job every time.

What temperature can you paint outside of house?

Optimal Temperature to Paint: 35ºF to 100º, Low Humidity

Since temperature varies more widely outside, that is where most issues arise. We recommend planning your painting project for temperatures ranging from 35ºF to 100ºF and when humidity is as low as possible.

Can you paint outside in the fall?

Fall can be an excellent time to paint the exterior of your home; however there are a few special precautions that need to be taken. A fresh coat can transform your home's exterior from drab to fab.

What happens if it rains on fresh paint?

Rain will wash wet paint off the surface and paint won't be absorbed into a wet surface. When it is raining outside, the paint will wash away if it isn't dry. The best way to handle this is to be sure to avoid rainy days. If there is rain forecast for significant parts of the day, plan it for another time.

What is the best weather to paint a house?

The air and surface temperatures should not exceed 90°F. Don't paint in direct sunlight – start in the shade or use a covering. Avoid days with too much wind.

What temperature is good for painting?

For an oil-based paint, the best temperature to apply is between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. For latex-based paints, it's 50 to 85 degrees.

Does cold weather affect painting?

Temperatures below 50 degrees (typically) can have a variety of negative effects on paint and paint application. Alkyd and oil-based paints are made with oils and resins that become more viscous (thicker) at lower temperatures. This can make it very difficult to apply the paint evenly or smoothly.

How long should a good exterior paint job last?

Exteriors should be painted every 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of paint and craftsmanship it was painted with last time. Here are some guidelines based on exterior surface: Wood surfaces need to be painted every 3 to 7 years.

How long does exterior paint need to dry before it rains?

Roughly speaking, your exterior paint should be able to handle some light rain within 2 hours. Around 4 hours it should be ok for rain. It depends on the humidity, temperature, and color. High humidity, low temperatures, and dark colors slow the drying process.

Will paint dry in the cold?

Paint needs an environment of at least 50 degrees in order to dry properly. It may crack sooner than later if applied in too-cold temperatures. Even if it is 60 degrees during the day, if the temperature dips below 50 degrees at night, the paint structure can be compromised.

Can you stay in your house while it's being painted?

A good principle is to wait about four hours for water-based paint to dry, and about 24 hours for oil-based paint to dry. Before the painting job starts, make a plan to allow the room adequate time to dry and air out before moving occupants back in.

Can I paint in winter?

Paint should never be applied at under 50 degrees and ideally not under 60. Take into account the temp of the walls, which in winter can be colder than the room air temp. Keeping rooms temperate will allow paint to dry faster and deliver the best results.

How long does it take paint to dry outside?

Exterior latex paint, like most paints, usually takes between four and eight hours to fully dry. It is a good idea to allow for at least twelve hours of drying time before the rain starts. If you can allow the paint to dry 24 hours before it rains, that is best.

How warm does it need to be to paint wood outside?

Timing is Everything

Ideally, choose a day to paint your exterior with temperatures ranging from 60° to around 85°F with little to no wind. Too much wind can cause the paint to dry too quickly. 40% to 70% humidity is the perfect range to ensure that the paint dries properly.

Can I paint outside in 40 degree weather?

Generally, it is not recommended to apply paint when the temperature is less than 50 degrees.

Is it better to roll or spray exterior paint?

The advantages to rolling a house vs. spraying is that the paint will be applied much thicker giving overall better coverage than if it was sprayed. Also it is much easier to be precise and when a house is rolled it eliminates the risk of such things like overspray.

How long after pressure washing house can you paint?

After pressure washing your house, you have to wait for it to fully dry before you can paint it. This waiting time can be anywhere from 24 hours to 3 days. Pressure washing isn't for beginners. If you're not experienced, the high water pressure can easily damage portions of your house's exterior.

How do you prep a house for exterior painting?

Is it better to paint in summer or winter?

Because there is less humidity, your paint will dry noticeably faster and better in the colder months, winter is the best time for painting the exterior or the home's interior. Don't wait for the hot temperature, high humidity months.