When Is It Too Cold to Paint The Exterior of Your House? (And Ideal Conditions)

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.