Knowing the best weather for painting the exterior of your home can reduce the timeline of your project and the painting cost.
The best weather conditions for exterior painting depend on the region and other factors such as humidity, rain, etc. Weather plays an important role in cheaper and more efficient exterior painting projects. Temperature, humidity, cold, and wind affect how the paint sticks to the wall and dries.
Calling for a painting project during unfavorable conditions can lead to cracking, peeling, and blistering. It also reduces the longevity of the paint and increases the exterior painting cost.
In this article, you’ll learn the best painting weather for your home and why it takes longer to dry during certain weather conditions.
Effect of weather conditions on paint
Choosing the best weather conditions for exterior painting does not mean simply avoiding wind, rainy season, or snow. Even during the summer days when the temperature reaches beyond 90 degrees, paint can start to crack. While paint does not take more than a few hours to dry, water-based latex paint may take weeks to adhere to the surface or cure. Oil-based cures within a week but it takes extra hours to dry. Different types of paint have different drying times and the best painting weather.
Best outdoor painting weather is when the temperature ranges between 50-70 degrees with low humidity levels. Too cold and too warm, either of the extreme temperatures affect the drying time of the exterior paint. Let’s see how humidity, cold, and warm temperatures affect paint to decide the ideal painting weather.
When it is too warm for exterior painting?
It’s good to start an exterior painting project before the temperature soars high beyond 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 32 degrees Celsius.
When the mercury crosses the above levels, the paint dries too fast forming heat bubbles that lead to paint cracking. Remember that the wall surface is warmer than the surrounding air. For example, aluminum siding exposed to direct sunlight is hotter than the outside temperature, making it unsuitable for painting during summer. A general rule of thumb is that if you can’t comfortably hold your hand on the exterior wall for more than a few seconds, it’s too hot for an exterior painting project.
Some painters avoid this exposure to direct sunlight by painting the shaded sides of the house, a method known as “chasing the shade.”
When is it too cold to do exterior painting?
When the temperature is below 4 degrees Celsius or 40 degrees Fahrenheit, know that it’s not the best weather for painting.
Cold weather increases the drying time of paint, making it easier for dust or insects to stick to the wet surface. Generally, 40 degrees Fahrenheit is the lowest temperature for painting outside, as the paint needs this warmth to dry properly.
Some paints can be used now in colder weather, even as low as 35°F. Remember that paint doesn’t dry instantly, and if the temperature drops below 32°F, latex paint could freeze. Check both the daytime and nighttime temperatures before painting.
Just like with hot weather, walls may have a different temperature than the air. Shaded areas can be colder than the air, so it’s a good idea to paint in the sunlight as it moves across the house in the colder seasons.
Acrylic latex paints can be used in cooler temperatures, even as low as 35°F, but for proper drying and curing, the temperature should stay above 35°F for at least 36 hours after painting. It’s better to paint when the temperature is at least 50°F, ideally in the daytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
In colder weather, paint dries more slowly, so be patient and allow about 24 hours between coats. This is especially important with darker colors or when using latex paint over an alkyd primer.
How does humidity affect exterior painting?
Humidity levels above 70% are not suitable for exterior painting.
Cold temperatures aren’t the only factor to increase the paint drying time. High humidity makes the paint sticky and prevents it from drying properly.
Morning Dew is another factor to consider. Painting on a surface with moisture can cause the water in latex paint to evaporate too slowly, leading to issues like cracking. Wait until the dew has dried before starting. Moisture also increases mildew growth on painted surfaces. House painting in Minneapolis on a humid day can slow down the drying process, leading to improper drying.
Some paint color trends resist moisture, drying faster and providing better protection in humid conditions.
Too much moisture causes bubbling on the surface, allowing the growth of bacteria and mildew. This can result in a rough texture and peeling, especially around joints and wood edges. To prevent these problems, it’s important to check the humidity levels before painting.
The final word on best painting weather
The best season for exterior painting in the cities of Minnesota- Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, North Oaks, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, St. Paul, and Wayzata is usually late spring through early fall. During these times, the weather is stable and mild, and humidity levels are lower.
Paint brands often have a label telling the range of suitable temperatures that help decide the best weather for painting. If you need your home or business painted, Paris Painting can assist with the right pricing, choosing the best colors, and providing both interior and exterior painting, as well as minor repairs.
Exterior painting weather FAQs
1. What weather should you paint in?
The best exterior painting for your home is mild and dry, with temperatures between 50°F and 70°F. Low humidity levels are good for painting projects, typically below 70%, to ensure proper drying and adhesion. Avoid painting during rain or extremely warm or cold weather to prevent issues with the paint’s performance.
2. Will paint dry in 40-degree weather?
Paint can dry in 40°F weather, but it’s not the best temperature. Most paints need temperatures above 50°F to cure properly. At 40°F, drying times increase, and the paint does not adhere to the surface or cure correctly which can lead to long-term issues.
3. When should you not paint outside?
Avoid exterior painting during extreme temperatures, high humidity, or rainy season. It’s also best to avoid painting if surfaces are wet from dew or if there is significant wind, as these conditions can affect painting and drying.
4. Is it okay to paint outside on a cloudy day?
Yes, painting on a cloudy day is fine as long as it’s not raining or too humid. Cloud cover can help prevent the paint from drying too quickly, allowing for better application and finish.
5. How cold does it have to be to ruin paint?
Paint can start to be ruined if temperatures fall below 32°F, as latex paints can freeze. Freezing temperatures affect the paint’s consistency and curing, leading to poor adhesion and finish quality.