It’s important to be mindful of the outdoor painting temperature when planning a painting project. A climate that is too hot or too cold can cause the paint to dry improperly, resulting in an uneven finish or worse– peeling paint. Here at Life in Color Painting, we want to make sure your exterior painting project goes as smoothly as possible. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how outdoor weather conditions can affect exterior paint drying times.
What Temperature Can You Paint Outside?
Generally speaking, the ideal outdoor painting temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s too hot or humid outside, the paint will dry too quickly and could start to blister or peel. For optimal results, exterior painting should be completed when humidity is between 40-50%. While too much humidity is damaging to paint, you still want some to reach a well-calibrated drying time. Avoid painting when the humidity is 85% or more.
On the other hand, if it’s too cold, the paint won’t dry at all, and you’ll be stuck with a big mess on your home’s exterior. The optimal outdoor painting temperature should be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re applying exterior paint, and you need to be mindful of the weather overnight. The temperature shouldn’t drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for several days after.
What Other Weather Conditions Can Affect Exterior Paint?
In addition to temperature, other weather conditions can also affect how well paint dries. If it’s windy out, for example, the paint could dry too quickly or start to blister. And if it’s raining or there’s dew on the ground, the paint won’t be able to adhere properly and will start to run.
Of course, these are just general guidelines. If you’re not sure whether or not it’s safe to paint in a particular weather condition, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and wait for more favorable conditions.
When’s the Best Time of Year to Paint Outside?
In most cases, late spring or early fall is the best time of year to paint outdoor surfaces. The weather is usually milder during these times of the year and there’s a reduced chance of rain or severe weather conditions. However, if you live in an area with a temperate climate, painting during the summer months may be fine as long as the forecast appears favorable.
How Long Does it Take For Exterior Paint To Dry?
The dry time for exterior paint can depend not only on the weather conditions, but also on the types of paint. For example, latex paints dry more quickly than their oil-based counterparts. Typically, latex paint will feel dry roughly 2- 4 hours after the first coat. Whereas oil-based paints can require at least 6-8 hours to become completely dry.
If you’re planning a painting project, we hope this guide has been helpful. And remember, if you need any assistance, our team at Life in Color Painting is always happy to help. Contact us today for a free consultation!