When is the Best Time to Paint House Exterior?

Maintaining the exterior of your home can be challenging, and few things are as effective as giving your house a fresh coat of paint. A new paint job improves the overall look of a home, while protecting the exterior from the elements and preventing damage over time. However, painting a house is not an easy task, which is why calling a professional like Cougar Painting can save you a ton of stress and hassle.

When it comes to repainting your home, timing is a critical factor that will have a huge impact on the success and longevity of the paint job.

Factors to Consider Before Painting House Exterior

Before scheduling or starting an exterior house painting project, there are a few things to consider that will effect the success and longevity of the paint job. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:

Age of the Paint

If the current paint job is relatively new, it may not be necessary to repaint the entire house to revamp your home or business’ exterior. Instead, spot-treating problem areas may be sufficient to give you the look you desire. The team at Cougar Painting can offer an evaluation to decide if the paint needs to be entirely replaced.

If the previous exterior paint is old and peeling in multiple places, then it’s very important to remove all of the old paint before beginning to apply a fresh coat.

Condition of the Surface

The surface you’re hoping to paint should be free of any dirt, debris, and loose or flaking paint. If you don’t properly prep the surface before painting it can cause the new paint to peel or blister. Any necessary repairs, such as filling in cracks or holes, should be completed before painting.

Ideal Weather Conditions for Exterior Painting

Choosing the right weather conditions is critical for a successful exterior paint job. Be sure to monitor forecasts so the paint can properly be applied. Here are some ideal weather conditions for painting:

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for exterior painting is typically between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Deciding to paint in temperatures that are too cold can prevent the paint from drying correctly, while painting in excessively hot temperatures can cause the paint to dry too quickly and not adhere to the surface properly.

Humidity

Like hot temperatures, humidity will change how well your exterior paint adheres to surfaces. Generally you should try to paint when the humidity is somewhere between 40% and 70%.

Wind Conditions

Windy conditions will cause debris and dirt to blow around and stick to the wet paint, causing imperfections. Not to mention it can be dangerous to use a ladder on high-wind days. That’s why in general you should try to avoid painting on days with high wind speeds.

Best Time Of Year To Paint House Exterior

Choosing the best time of year to paint the exterior of a house can depend on several factors, including weather conditions and personal schedules. In the Midwest, it is common for many exterior painting projects to be completed in late spring or early fall. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when deciding on the best season and time of year to paint:

Spring

Spring is usually a pretty popular time to paint, since temperatures tend to be mild and humidity levels are moderate. However, rain showers can be frequent in the spring, something people in the Midwest are quite familiar with. Do your best to avoid painting on a rainy day.

Summer

We all love getting out and soaking up the summer sun. So deciding to spend some hours outside painting in the warm weather doesn’t sound like a bad idea, does it? While summer can be a good time to paint, as temperatures are warm and dry, it’s important to try to avoid painting during the hottest part of the day. Painting during this time can cause the paint to dry too quickly and not adhere to the surface of your home or business.

Fall

Fall can also be an excellent time to paint, as temperatures are typically moderate, and humidity levels tend to be lower. However, it's essential to avoid painting too late in the season, as temperatures can drop quickly, causing the paint to dry too slowly and not adhere to the surface correctly.

Winter

Winter can be a challenging time to paint, and probably the least ideal for an exterior project as temperatures tend to be too cold for the paint to dry correctly. However, if you live in a milder climate, it may be possible to paint during the winter. Just as long as you choose a dry day and avoid painting in freezing temperatures.

Choose Cougar Painting For Your Home’s Exterior Painting

If you're planning an exterior painting project, it's best to follow along with these guidelines so you can feel more comfortable knowing you will get good results. As always, hiring a professional exterior painting company will give you the best chance at succeeding in revamping your home's look.

To ensure the best quality paint and process, schedule your exterior painting project with Cougar Painting. With years of experience under our belt, the Cougar team knows when and how to get the job done right. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an estimate!