Unlike indoor painting projects (which can be tackled any time of year), you need to check the calendar before tackling an outdoor painting project. Because the temperature and moisture play a huge role in how the paint sticks to the sides of a home, you need to be careful about trying to paint in just any weather.
When customers ask us, “What is the best time of year to paint outside of the house?” we often tell them late spring, summer or early fall—but that’s not always the case.
Continue reading to learn more about how the weather affects a painting project:
- Outdoor temperatures: The temperature must be at least 50°F to paint outside; otherwise, the paint won’t adhere to the siding. For that reason, winter is often a no-go for exterior home painting. That said, painting when it’s over 75°F requires some special precautions, so look for a day that’s not too hot or too cold, or try getting your painting done in the morning.
- Humidity: Excessively-humid summer days make being outside a bummer, and the humidity can even affect how the paint dries. Painting becomes a challenge if the humidity is over 50 percent, so painting during the dog days of summer might not be the best choice.
- Rainfall: Trying to paint in the rain won’t work. Additionally, paint doesn’t stick to waterlogged siding. Simply put: Don’t try painting on rainy days, and make sure your siding is completely dry before trying to paint.
What I need to know about painting the exterior of a home
Grabbing some painting supplies and heading outside to repaint your home won’t lead to great results. Consider the following things before trying to repaint your home:
- Check the forecast: We wouldn’t have a post dedicated to the best time of year to paint outside of the house if the weather wasn’t a factor. Be sure to check the forecast if you’re planning on painting your home, and delay the project if it’s going to rain or be excessively humid, hot or cold that day.
- Choose the right paint: Along with picking the perfect color, you need to be careful when selecting a type of paint. Latex paints can dry too quickly in excessive heat, making your siding look streaky. If you’re trying to paint in the middle of the summer, go with an oil-based paint over latex.
- Make sure the surface is clean: One of our top pieces of advice for DIY-ers is that paint doesn’t stick to dirt. Take time to pressure wash your home before painting to ensure the paint sticks to the siding.
Always hire a professional painter
The final thing you need to know about painting the exterior of a home is that you should always hire a pro. Hiring a professional always leads to better results, and you can save yourself a lot of time and energy by bringing in an experienced painter.
For the best exterior painting jobs, look no further than homepros. Give us a call today to get a quote for your next painting project.