Your home’s new exterior wardrobe may not be in season just yet
The ideal time to paint an exterior home is when there is dry, moderate weather.
Spring and fall are typically the best months to paint the exterior of a house.
Avoid painting too late in the day.
The best temperatures for painting outdoors are between 40 and 90 degrees.
Whether you’re still searching for the perfect exterior paint color or you’ve already chosen the best exterior paint for your home, you may be itching to get started on transforming your house into the perfect aesthetic for maximum curb appeal. But before you take out the rollers and paintbrushes, you need to know the best time to paint your home’s exterior to get the most out of your paint job. We’ve got you and your home covered: Here’s the 411 on when to paint your home.
Let’s cut to the chase. The ideal moment to do exterior painting depends on external conditions. You’ll want to check the forecast and choose a day when the weather is mild, the surface is dry, and there’s no chance of rain.
For most regions, spring or fall is the right time of year for such a day, but there are many factors at work to prove this isn’t always the case. As for the best time of day, get started early in the morning so you have lots of daylight hours to get the work done.
Every paint job is different and will depend on a number of external factors. From where you live to daily weather fluctuations, you’ll want to plan your paint schedule around the following conditions.
The best temperature range for painting your exterior home is anywhere between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for oil-based paint and between 50 and 85 degrees for latex-based paint.
Consider the type of paint you have when painting your home. Temperatures that dip below the temperature range can lead to cracks in the paint and splotchy colors, while temperatures exceeding the range can blister or form bubbles.
Again, latex-based paint has different temperature limits than oil-based paint. It’s important to know which type of exterior paint you have and to follow the specifications from the manufacturer to ensure your paint job comes out looking stunning.
You’ll also want to factor in drying time to the equation. Latex paint takes about three hours to dry between layers while oil-based paint takes much longer—up to a full day.
Don’t let impatience ruin your finish. Oil-based paints require 24 hours to dry before you add another coat. Latex paints dry quicker, needing only 4 hours between coats.
The time of day that you paint your home also impacts the success of your project. A bright, sunny day during the perfect season is only ideal if you begin working at the right time, as there’s only so much light left in the day if you start mid-afternoon. It’s best to start around 10 a.m. when humidity and dew have dried.
Your home benefits from exterior painting early in the morning because:
It gives the paint plenty of time to dry before sunset.
Doing so helps prevent humidity from forming under the paint during the night.
You can better air out the smell of new paint that enters your home before going to bed for the night.
Painting later in the day can lead to harsh sunlight that prevents your paint blister from drying too quickly.
You don’t have to worry about running out of daylight and having to start again in the morning.
Choosing when to paint a home in Texas or Florida is far different from choosing when to paint a home in Washington or Maine.
While the general rule of thumb is to paint in spring or fall, you might want to wait until early or late summer for northern regions where temps drop below 40. Likewise, early winter may be a good option for southern regions where you may have temperatures that hit above 85 or 90 degrees in the fall or spring.
Painting in the rain can damage the paint and hike up the cost to paint your house’s exterior, so check the forecast before you get started. While exterior paint can handle rain around six hours after you’ve finished painting, play it safe by aiming for no rain in the forecast for five days. Playing the waiting game gives the paint enough time to harden and build up durability.
Covering every angle can help you turn a DIY oops into a DIY win that will have friends and family wondering if you hired a local exterior painter to do the job. It’s a good idea to be armed with the knowledge of when not to paint your home’s exterior.
Here are the worst times to paint your home’s exterior:
When it’s raining or about to rain
At night or in the late evening
In blisteringly hot weather
In temps below 40 degrees
When there’s high humidity
For homeowners, painting a house's exterior costs $3,150 on average, with a price range spanning from $1,810 to $4,500 or $1.50 to $4 per square foot. Several variables impact the final pricing, including the residence's size, the siding material, necessary prep work, height, accessibility, layout complexity, paint scheme intricacy, location, labor, and the chosen paint type.
DIY can save on labor expenses but requires purchasing materials and may come with a learning curve. You must assess your painting skills and consider the complexity of your home's design. Multi-story homes present even more significant challenges, requiring scaffolding and additional safety equipment—not to mention the time commitment for getting the work done.
Professionals have experience, skills, and tools for high-quality, efficient work. This often means work is done faster with less disruption to your routine. There's also the issue of quality assurance. While hiring a local exterior painter can be expensive, it can be worth the price for your safety and a long-lasting, quality paint job.
Allie Ogletree contributed to this article.
Choosing between painting the exterior in the fall or spring depends on your local climate. Fall often has milder temperatures and lower humidity, ideal for paint adhesion and drying. However, falling leaves and increased moisture can pose challenges. Spring has consistent weather and longer daylight hours, but pollen and unpredictable rain may affect the process. It's advisable to consult with local experts who can recommend the best time for your exterior painting project.
Yes, for the best results, wash a house's exterior before painting. Cleaning the surface removes dirt, dust, grime, mold, and mildew, ensuring the paint adheres properly and provides a smooth finish. Failure to clean can lead to poor adhesion, peeling, and an uneven appearance. Pressure washing or hand scrubbing with a mild detergent can effectively prep the surface while revealing any hidden issues that need addressing before painting, such as cracks or damaged areas.
Priming over old exterior paint is fine if the original paint is not cracked, chipped, and peeling. When that is the case, you need to scrape it off and sand first. Primer improves adhesion, seals stains, and provides a consistent base for the new paint. It also enhances the paint's durability and helps achieve a more uniform finish.
