When Is It Too Cold to Paint Your Home’s Exterior?

It’s typically recommended that you get your painting done before the cold season begins. But things can sometimes get in the way, pushing your painting project further down in your schedule. If you ever find yourself in need of painting your home’s exterior during cold weather, the painters at Home Wizards have some tips that will help you.

Ideal Painting Conditions

Paint manufacturers usually have varying recommendations on minimum temperature application. That’s why it’s important to always check the label for manufacturer instructions. Some manufacturers state that it’s okay to paint as cold as 35 degrees, while others recommend not going any lower than 40 degrees. It’s also critical for the temperature to stay at that level for four hours or more and for the paint to have a surface temperature in order to dry properly.

That said, whether you’re DIY-ing or hiring painters, don’t forget to check the weather forecast and look out for rain or snow. Ensure that there will be enough time for each coat of paint to dry: approximately 4-6 hours. If you’re applying two coats of paint for a deeper color, expect a longer drying time.

Other Tips to Keep in Mind

Here are a few other reminders to ensure a successful cold weather painting:

1. Oil-based paints tend to become thicker at lower temperatures, and this makes it difficult to apply the paint evenly or smoothly.

2. If you’re using water-based or latex paint, you can add freeze-resistance to prevent the paint from freezing in cold weather.

3. Don’t forget to check the temperature of the surface to be painted as well. Sometimes the wall surface is colder than the air, and this difference between the surface and air temperatures can affect the curing process.

Home Wizards offers a full range of exterior remodeling services. Our team consists of reliable and professional painters, deck builders, window installers and many more, giving you the assurance of top-notch craftsmanship. Call us at (770) 998-1809 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.