Five Star Painting explains the ideal temperatures for painting outdoors.
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Knowing the right temperature range for painting the exterior of your house is critical. If you start your project in temps outside this range, you risk premature paint failure and a tragic waste of time and money.
Whether you lean on pros like Five Star Painting for your house painting project or go the DIY route, the right temps, the appropriate prep, and the paint itself will allow your paint job to last.
What is the Best Outdoor Painting Temperature?
The best outdoor painting temperature for exterior house painting depends on the type of paint you use. The two types of paints used most often are latex-based and oil-based paints.
- Latex Paint: 35℉ - 90℉
- Oil-Based Paint: 40℉ - 90℉
If you must paint in colder temperatures, purchase a latex paint specifically formulated to perform in temperatures as low as 35℉. This special paint contains coalescing agents that bolster paint-curing attributes in low temperatures.
The Best Seasons for Exterior House Painting in Every U.S. Region
Although temperature and humidity conditions vary each season, regardless of the U.S. region you live in, some seasons are considered better for exterior house painting than others. In general, the best seasons for exterior house painting are:
- Late spring and early fall for regions with mild climates
- Outside of summer or rainy seasons in hot regions
- Summer in regions with cold temperatures
More Temperature Considerations for Exterior Painting Projects
Surface and air temperatures can vary daily, and some exterior surfaces can take a day or two to warm up after a cold spell. Since some paints need between one and several days to cure fully, always check the weather for the day after you plan to paint to ensure the temperature won’t change too drastically while your paint is drying.
You should also avoid painting in direct sunlight. This can cause paint to dry unevenly, lowering their chances of adhering to exterior surfaces properly. To avoid painting in direct sunlight or on overheated outdoor surfaces, most experts recommend that you follow the sun’s shadow around the house. Allow time for the paint to dry to the touch before sunset when cooler temperatures and dew formation begin.
How Temperature Affects Exterior House Painting Quality
Improperly cured surfaces have a higher propensity for cracking, peeling, and chipping, making finding the right temperature for painting outside very important. Temperatures that are too hot or cold affect exterior paint finish quality differently.
The Impact of Temperatures Too Hot for Exterior Painting
If you complete an exterior house painting project when the temperature is too hot, the paint dries too rapidly, and adhesion is compromised. At temperatures over 90°F, bubbles and blisters form in the paint. Once the paint cures, it could start to peel away from the surface.
The Impact of Temperatures Too Cold for Exterior Painting
When the temperature drops below 55°F, it affects the speed at which paint cures. When paint takes longer to dry, the surface stays wet longer, attracting insects, dirt, grime, and other debris that can get trapped in the paint. Oil-based paints thicken in cold weather, causing stiffer brushing, heavier application, and less coverage per gallon, reducing the overall life expectancy of the paint.
How Humidity Affects Exterior Painting
Humidity measures the amount of water vapor in the air. Excessive humidity forms water vapor on freshly painted surfaces. When painting a wood surface, you must consider humidity because the wood absorbs moisture from the surrounding air. This impedes the paint's adhesion to the surface and causes the paint to bubble and peel.
The ideal humidity level for exterior painting is between 40 and 70 percent. Painting in an environment with excessive humidity can result in:
- Leaching: Brown or white discoloration on latex or oil-based painted surfaces.
- Reduced Durability: Too much moisture can compromise the paint’s protective qualities.
- Low-Quality Finish: High humidity causes moisture to evaporate too slowly from the solvents in the paint, which leads to a longer cure time and a poor finish.
Call Five Star Painting® for Professional Exterior House Painting Services
Want some help with your exterior painting project? Contact your local Five Star Painting and discover the difference an expert exterior house painter can make. We even help you pick out the right colors if you’re feeling overwhelmed. With our satisfaction guarantee and Neighborly Done Right Promise®, you can count on us for a high-quality finish. Give us a call or schedule an estimate for your exterior house painting service today!
This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Five Star Painting is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content.
Some Five Star Painting services vary by location. Contact your local Five Star Painting for more information.
FAQs About Cold Weather Painting
Our years of experience, attention to detail, and decades-long commitment to exceptional customer service set Five Star Painting apart from the competition. Continuing this high standard also includes using our knowledge and experience to answer your most frequently asked questions about the best temperature for exterior painting.
Can I paint my house exterior in the winter?
You can paint your house exterior in the winter, but there are several factors to consider due to the potential for cold weather:
- Time of Day: If you choose to paint in the winter, aim to paint during the warmest part of the day, typically between 10 am and 2 pm, to take advantage of any sunlight and warmer temperatures.
- Air Temperature: The most important factor is the temperature range specified by your paint manufacturer. Most latex paints require temperatures between 50°F and 85°F (10°C and 29°C) for proper application and curing. Oil-based paints generally have a wider range, sometimes down to 40°F (4°C). Specially formulated low-temperature latex paints can be applied at some of the lowest temperatures to paint outside, as low as 35°F (2°C).
- Surface Temperature: The temperature of the surface you’re painting must also be within the paint manufacturer's recommended range. The surface can be colder than the ambient air temperature, especially if it's shaded or made of materials that retain cold. Use an infrared thermometer to check the surface temperature.
As a general rule, the air and surface temperatures must remain above the minimum recommended temperature for at least 24 to 48 hours after application to allow the paint to dry and cure properly. Check the forecast for both daytime highs and nighttime lows.
Pro Tip: Professional painting crews can complete exterior painting jobs in a much shorter time, requiring fewer days of suitable weather and reducing the risk of paint failure.
What time of day is best for exterior painting?
Generally, the late morning to early afternoon is ideal for exterior painting thanks to better drying conditions and fewer harsh elements (usually!).
Painting during the warmest part of the day promotes optimal drying and curing of the paint film. Start around 10 am to allow any morning dew or lingering humidity to dissipate. Not only does this provide a dry surface for better paint adhesion, but you’re also more likely to experience the best temperature for exterior painting during this time of day. Painting earlier also allows enough time for the paint to dry before evening temperatures potentially drop and introduce moisture.
However, avoid painting during the hottest hours and direct sunlight of the mid-afternoon, especially in warmer climates. Intense heat can cause the paint to dry too quickly, leading to issues like blistering, cracking, and visible brush strokes.
Painting too late in the afternoon or evening is also not recommended. As temperatures cool, humidity levels often rise, which can slow down drying and potentially lead to moisture being trapped in the paint film, affecting its durability and finish. Aim to finish painting several hours before sunset to allow ample drying time.
Always check the specific recommendations of your paint manufacturer for optimal application temperatures and drying times.
How can I speed up drying time in humid weather?
While we recommend painting in dry conditions whenever possible, a few precautions can help protect your new paint job in high humidity:
- Paint during the least humid part of the day. This is typically late morning to early afternoon after any morning dew has evaporated. Avoid painting in the evening when humidity levels usually rise.
- Increase ventilation as much as possible. Position fans to blow indirectly onto the painted area.
- Apply thin coats of paint. Thinner coats allow for faster drying, reducing the risk of moisture-heavy air affecting the paint.
Choosing the right type of paint can also help. Ask for paints specifically formulated for better performance in humid conditions. To learn more about how humidity affects exterior paint or to request a quote, contact your local Five Star Painting team today.
