To Paint or Not to Paint: A Question of Weather

An exterior paint job comes with many considerations, one of which is the weather. Since the climate differs according to the region in which you reside, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to paint. There are, however, basic factors that can and should be taken into consideration no matter the location of the job.

Temperature

For the process of applying paint, how hot or cold it should be can differ to some extent, based on the type of paint you are using. It is important to check the paint label for specifics but in the event those aren't available, a good rule of thumb is to paint while the temperature is between 40-90 degrees Fahrenheit (4-32 degrees Celsius). Be aware of potential fluctuations in temperature, which can affect the viscosity and drying time of the paint, which in turn can have adverse effects on the overall appearance of the paint itself.

In the Midwest, summer usually provides the best time frame for completing an exterior paint job. That being said, painting on surfaces that are hot from being in direct sunlight can be detrimental to the results of your hard work. We recommend painting the shaded side of the house and moving as the shade moves. This is better for the stability of your paint, and certainly more comfortable for you!

Humidity

Humidity affects paint during the application and drying process. Higher humidity means the paint will dry more slowly, potentially leading to wrinkles or sagging.

Thinking about the condition of the surface you're painting on is important as well. If you are painting a wood exterior, you'll want to make sure there have been several days of dry weather with relatively low humidity. Otherwise, the moisture that is retained by the wood will create problems for your paint job down the road.

Planning for a large paint job can be time-consuming and remembering all the details can feel tedious at times. It may be tempting to disregard the importance of weather and its potential to affect your paint. Making these provisions, however, is something we at Major Painting Company are dedicated to doing to ensure that your paint job turns out the way you want and lasts for years to come.

For help with your next commercial or residential painting project, or for more information, contact us today!