Extreme temperatures and intense weather conditions can wreak havoc on your paint job. Before you pick up a paint brush and a bucket of paint, make sure you check the weather forecast. Which weather conditions are best for painting outdoors? Let’s find out.
What Weather Should I Paint in?
The ideal temperature for painting depends on the type of paint. However, the best temperature for any paint is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with 40 to 60% relative humidity. Moreover, you want to paint in weather with minimal rain, wind, and sun.
Here are the best weather conditions for oil-based paint and latex paint:
| Best Weather for Oil Paint | Best Weather for Latex Paint | Best Weather for Spray Painting |
| 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit | 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit | Depends on paint type |
| 40 to 70% humidity | 40 to 70% humidity | 40 to 70% humidity |
| No rain for at least 24 hours after painting | No rain for at least 2 hours after painting | Depends on paint type, but always avoid rain during spray painting, as it may cause a mess |
| Minimum wind | A little wind may be fine | Wind may cause overspray or a messy application |
| Minimum direct sun | Minimum direct sun | Minimum direct sun |
The Best Temperature for Painting
Both cold and hot weather affect how paint dries and adheres to the surface. High temperatures dry paint too quickly. Paint may then not adhere properly or may even crack or peel. Cold temperatures will slow down the drying process, reducing paint’s lifespan and the quality of the finish.
You can use oil paint when the temperature is between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, latex paint is water-based and dries best between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Best Humidity for Painting
Too much moisture in the air can be detrimental to painting. High humidity can cause the paint to take longer to dry, leading to potential issues such as sagging, dripping, and peeling. It’s generally recommended to avoid painting in high humidity conditions, as it can affect the overall quality and durability of the paint job.
On the other hand, paint needs moisture to cure, so you never want to paint in humidity that’s too low. If humidity is too low, paint may dry too quickly and not adhere properly to the surface, resulting in a poor finish. It may even crack or peel.
But fear not; the best humidity for painting is quite straightforward. It’s 40 to 70% for any paint.
Can I Paint While It’s Raining?
Rain is never good for painting. If you paint in rainy weather, the paint may dry unevenly, become streaky, or become completely ruined. But some paints tolerate rain better than others.
You should be extra careful about rain if you use oil paint. To avoid ruining your oil paint job, make sure you paint at least 24 hours before rain.
Latex paint is a little more forgiving when it comes to rain. It’s normally okay after two hours of drying time, but it’s still better to avoid it as much as possible. If you spray paint during rain, the paint may dry unevenly or be streaky.
Can I Paint While It’s Windy?
Wind may cause a mess or dry your paint too quickly. Once again, some paints and methods tolerate wind better than others, but you still always want to watch out for it.
Always avoid wind when oil painting. It can blow dirt into your oil paint and make it dry unevenly. If you use latex paint, a little wind is fine, but too much wind may cause it to dry too quickly. Plus, if you use spray paint, you may have to deal with overspray or a messy application. And nobody wants that.
Can I Paint While It’s Sunny?
It’s impossible to completely avoid the sun, but if it’s scorching down on your paint, it’s not a good sign. Like high temperatures, it can dry your paint too quickly. Regardless of which paint you use, it’s better to paint when the weather is cloudy or when the sun is mild. If you paint on the sunniest of days, the sun may dry your paint too quickly.
FAQ
What is the best time to paint outside?
Depending on where you live, the best time to paint may be in the spring or fall. Homeowners need to consider the best season in their area to get the right weather conditions.
Which paint sheen should I choose?
Matte paint sheens are better for concealing imperfections, but glossy paints last longer. Check out our article, The Best Paint Sheens for Exterior Projects to know more.
Is exterior painting more difficult than interior painting?
Exterior painting can be more challenging than interior painting, mainly due to weather.
Should I paint my fence?
When you think about painting the exterior of your home, you’ll probably also consider your fencing. Painting your fence is a good idea for aesthetic and practical reasons. Especially if you have a wooden fence, painting can help protect it from weather damage, moisture, and mildew. Check out our article about The Best Paints for Wood Fences.
Is it easy to paint outside?
Of course, there’s more to consider than the weather. You need to make sure you pick the right paint color, to complement the aesthetic of your exterior. You also need to make sure you have paint with the right technique. Check out our articles about paint brushes and spray painters. Finally, don’t forget about the clean-up you’ll need to do as well.
The Verdict
The right time for your exterior painting project is during mild temperatures. When you’re looking to paint your house’s exterior, stay clear of excessively warm and cold weather, as well as humidity that’s too low or too high.
Suitable temperatures range between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for oil paints and 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit for latex paints. But the ideal temperature for painting is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, no matter which paint you use.
Humidity levels should be between 40 and 70%. You want to avoid rain and wind as much as possible, especially if you’re using oil paint or a paint sprayer.
Painting is a challenge that not everyone wants to take on as a DIY project, and that’s okay. Although the cost of hiring a pro may be higher than the cost of DIY, it may end up saving time and money on potential mistakes and touch-ups. There are painting services near you that can tackle the job for you. Hire a pro while you sit back and watch your home’s exterior transform into something beautiful.
Main Photo Credit: Joey Q R Lim / Canva Pro / License
