Best Time to Paint Your House Exterior

Generally speaking, the best time to paint a house exterior will depend on your area’s weather and overall climate.

For example, it’s ideal to paint in the late spring or early fall in milder and hotter climates to avoid the chance of extreme heat. When the paint is exposed to high temperatures, it will cause the water in the paint to evaporate at a much quicker rate. This results in faster drying times and inconsistent film formation. This can lead to the paint appearing patchy in areas where it has dried too quickly. High temperatures can also reduce the durability and adhesion of the paint film. In colder places, it’s better to paint in the summertime to avoid temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as the paint will not cure properly.

Learn more about the factors that impact the best time of year to paint a house exterior:

• Factors that impact when to paint house exterior.
• How long does exterior paint last?
• FAQs about the best time to paint a house exterior.
• Why choose Five Star Painting to paint your home exterior?

Factors That Impact When to Paint House Exterior

The best time to paint your house exterior will depend on several factors. It’s important to know how each can affect your home’s final appearance.

Some of those factors include the following:

• Temperature: Paint sticks to surfaces better in temps between 50- and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (this is the perfect range for the paint to fully cure and dry). It’s also vital not to paint during periods of light rain or excessive humidity to prevent the paint from flaking and cracking.
• Weather conditions: The best conditions to paint under are mild temps, low humidity, and no rain. This is because extreme heat or cold can result in paint drying too fast or too slowly, which can lead to uneven surfaces.
• Exterior condition: How your home’s exterior looks can influence the overall aesthetic of the applied paint. Before painting our team of professionals will prep the exterior of your home by removing any dirt and debris, including patching and repairing any surface as needed.
• Paint used: Some paint types have varying drying and curing times. The quality and type of paint applied can impact the look of your exterior paint job. Five Star Painting uses only high-quality, long-lasting paint from Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Sherwin Williams.
• Direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause paint to dry too fast and with uneven lines. If possible, it’s better to leave the painting for when the sun isn’t beaming right on your home.

In a nutshell, the best season to paint a house exterior is late spring or early fall in areas with mild climates, anytime other than summer or rainy seasons in areas that are hot, and the summertime in regions with cold winters.

How Long Does Exterior Paint Last?

Usually, high-quality exterior paint can last for five to 10 years. A paint’s lifespan is also contingent on the following:

• Proper surface prep, including cleaning and priming the area before painting.
• Paint quality, which can impact its durability.
• Weather conditions at the time the paint is applied.
• Climate, especially in areas with extreme temperatures.
• Frequent maintenance to fix imperfections.

FAQs About the Best Time, Type, and Color to Paint a House Exterior

1. Is it Okay to paint a house exterior in the winter?

Yes, it’s okay to paint a house exterior in the winter under the right weather conditions (i.e., no rain and temps that do not fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit).

2. How long does exterior paint need to dry before rain?

How long it takes exterior paint to dry depends on the outside temperature, humidity, type of paint/thickness, and manufacturer guidelines. However, under ideal conditions, it generally takes about two to four hours for the paint to dry fully and 24 to 36 hours to cure completely.

3. What type of paint should I use on the exterior of my home?

An Alkyd/oil hybrid primer and a latex top coat is the best option for exterior painting. Use an oil enamel paint for metal railings for better adherence and longevity with a rust-inhibiting primer. Due to their toxicity, exterior oil-based paints have been banned for years in some jurisdictions. Certain stains are still available in an alkyd base.

4. What’s the best exterior color to paint my home?

Typically, a satin or eggshell finish is a good choice for the exterior of a home. It’s an option that meets basic maintenance and HOA requirements while providing a pleasant appearance that appeals to the wide range of homeowners.

Why Choose Five Star Painting to Paint Your Home Exterior

Painting the exterior of your home is an important decision. Choosing the right pros to do it is even more important. Our painting professionals go the extra mile to ensure your paint project is done right and back it up with the Neighborly Done Right Promise ™. To learn more about our exterior painting services, book a free estimate online or call us to transform your home into something special!