How Weather Conditions Affect Starting An Exterior Painting Project
Optimal Weather for Exterior House Painting
When determining the best time to paint the exterior of a home, weather is likely to be the most crucial factor. Inclimate weather can have a negative impact on the paint job including how the paint dries, whether it cracks, collects debris during the drying process, and other factors. Classic Papering & Painting, Inc. provides our painting and cabinetry services throughout Central Ohio. In our region of the U.S. we find the best times to paint are in the warmer seasons. Depending on the seasonal weather there are typically opportunities to paint outside from spring to fall. During spring and fall overnight temperatures can often drop below the 50s and we generally see an increase in rainfall. Summer often has more optimal days for exterior painting. When the weather is less humid and warmer the paint is able to dry efficiently and quickly, however in conditions that are too hot the paint may dry too quickly and even crack. The optimal temperature range for outdoor painting is between 50 and 70 degrees. In seasons with less rainfall the humidity tends to be lower which also aids in the drying process of outdoor paints. The absolute best conditions will allow your paint to cure after the paint is applied. Depending on the paint formula used this can take as little as 7 days or up to 30, but once the paint initially dries it is less susceptible to being impacted by the weather.
Best Time of Year to Paint
While there are times of the year that are more optimal for painting, ultimately the weather can be unpredictable and should be monitored leading up to the start of an exterior painting project. In Central Ohio we find there are periods throughout the spring that provide optimal painting weather, but summer and fall tend to yield more opportunities. Springtime often has cool nights that dip into lower temperatures making it difficult for the paint to dry in the correct time frame. The more frequent rainfall also results in higher humidity levels, which further increases the drying time of exterior paints. When planning exterior painting projects keep in mind that temperatures dropping below the 50s at night can slow the drying process down and result in natural debris and insects attaching to the wet paint. A wet surface can also cause additional issues. Paint needs a dry surface in order to create a secure bond, and since it is recommended to wait a full day before applying a second coat it is best to have several days in a row without rainfall or extreme temperature changes.
What Conditions to Avoid for Painting
There is a relatively wide range of painting conditions that are acceptable, but it can be helpful to know specifically which weather conditions are best to avoid entirely when painting the exterior or a home.
Humidity
When the humidity becomes too high it causes issues with the paint drying. Anything over 70% humidity will impact the drying time and could cause issues. As the relative humidity increases beyond 70% even more problems can occur with the curing process. When the curing process is disrupted by weather conditions the paint may not have as strong of a bond which can result in the paint degrading in a shorter time frame. When this occurs the paint may more easily chip and become cracked.
Precipitation
Any precipitation is a bad sign when it comes to outside painting. Whether the initial surface is retaining moisture, or the freshly applied paint gets wet overnight from rainfall, any painting close to rain, sleet, or snowfall should be avoided at all cost. Moisture retention in wood or other surfaces being painted can act as a repellent and reduce the effectiveness of the bond that occurs when paint dries and cures. Like high humidity, rain and other precipitation slows the drying process. High winds can speed up the drying process, especially drying the outer layer of the paint. When the lower layers of paint become sealed in the moisture takes much longer to escape which has a negative impact on the finished product.
Extreme Temperatures
Intense heat causes paints to dry out too quickly, which can cause a variety of issues. There isn’t a specific temperature that becomes too hot for painting, but it is good to monitor the temperature of the surface that you’re working on. If you must paint in higher temperatures, try working in the shade so the surface temperature doesn’t continue to rise under the direct light from the sun. Similarly to high humidity, in intense heat paint may never create a strong bond with the surface, which will result in peeling and cracking. Temperatures below around 50 may cause the chemical reactions in drying paints to slow, which impacts the overall finish of the paint and how it adheres to the surface. As the paint dries slower than intended, it can cause cracking and other structural and visual problems with the pain.
The Impact Temperature Has on Drying Paint
When painting the exterior of a home both the temperature and the humidity impact the way paint dries. Understanding how weather conditions play a role in paint can help you determine the optimal conditions to ensure your paint dries and cures properly and doesn’t cause unnecessary frustration. Temperature can affect each paint formula slightly differently, but overall they tend to fall within the same optimal parameters.
Intense Heat
Higher temperatures can cause paint to dry faster, but when the temperatures are too high it causes the paint to develop a dry outer layer. Because the outer layer dries quickly, the paint underneath doesn’t have a chance to dry. The dry outer layer then acts as a membrane keeping the moisture in, which can have a large impact on the overall complete drying time. When the temperatures are too low the drying time is again increased.
Frigid Cold
The cold temperatures will slow the paint from drying out, which can introduce other problems. The longer a paint takes to dry the higher risk for random debris to stick to the wall. Leaves, dirt, insects, and other debris can stick to wet paint, or cause imperfections in the coat of paint. Ensuring that the exterior temperature is optimal for painting reduces mishaps and helps the paint dry properly so it can then cure and fuse to the surface.
Choosing the Right Exterior Paint
When choosing the right paint formula for the exterior of your house there are a couple things to keep in mind. Durability, price-point, and safety are all points to take into account. When comparing durability, acrylic paints are generally regarded as the most durable option with the longest expected lifespan. Acrylic paints are more elastic, which is a great option for homeowners in Central Ohio who often see the extreme sides of both summer and winter. Acrylic paints can contract and expand as the temperatures shift making them more resilient to high heats and frigid cold temperatures. If a homeowner is concerned about the price-point of higher quality acrylic paints latex is a great alternative. Similar to acrylic paints, latex has the ability to contract and expand as temperatures change. Latex paints dry quickly and are easy to apply, and latex paints come in both indoor and outdoor options. Oil-based paints have positives and negatives to them. Oil-based paints can release fumes that are harmful to people and animals, so precautions must be taken while applying them until the paint has dried. These paints work well on smooth surfaces, but don’t tend to have the same longevity as other water-based options and may begin to crack in a shorter time frame.
Preparing to Paint Your Home
Whether or not your home is prepared for painting is often overlooked and can cause problems to occur. Firstly it is important to cover anything that you want to protect including air conditioners, vents, plants, etc. We make sure tree branches and plants aren’t in the way while painting to ensure they don’t get any chemicals on them. Once everything around the wall is protected it is important to clean the surface that will be painted. Scrubbing dirt and debris off the surface of a wall gives the paint a cleaner surface to adhere to and create a stronger bond. This is especially important as it increases the durability and longevity of the paint so it will be less likely to crack. Mildew and other naturally occurring substances also must be removed. At this stage it is good to replace any materials that have rotted or have become damaged over time, and seal any cracks or holes to ensure your paint has an even surface to adhere to. Preparing a home for painting allows the actual painting job to be quick and efficient, as well as allows the paint to properly bond and create a durable, long lasting coat.
Benefits of A Fresh Coat of Paint
Having a freshly applied coat of paint on the exterior of your home provides multiple benefits to the homeowners. A new coat of paint looks bright and fresh, eliminating visible signs of wear and wear. Without cracks or chips the siding of your home is easier to keep clear of debris. A fresh coat of paint increases the property value by properly caring for the house. A house that has recently been painted feels like a house that is being maintained and taken care of. The curb apparel from your home alone is a great benefit! New coats of paint also act as a protective barrier from outside elements. It wouldn’t have any cracks or chips so moisture, insects, and other harmful debris don’t have easy access to the siding or building materials. It is especially beneficial for homes that have wood siding which is more susceptible to the outside elements.
Work with Professional Painters & Local Experts
With over 30 years of professional painting experience Classic Papering & Painting is ready to help you with your home exterior painting! We have worked with clients across Central Ohio in order to bring the vision of their home into fruition. With our knowledge and experience we confidently guarantee the quality of our services and can apply our three decades of industry knowledge when taking care of your home. Our team believes in using high-quality materials and paints for each job and executes on a professional level across every project we take on. If you have any questions regarding our services or plan to have the exterior of your home painted please reach out to our team to learn more!
Central Ohio Areas We Serve
As a team local to Central Ohio we are proud to serve our neighboring cities. We bring the same professionalism and quality across the board to every home or building we paint. As a Columbus, Ohio based company we believe in only providing high-quality work and are proud to have painted buildings across the region.
We are currently serving Diplin, Powell, Blacklick, Columbus, Upper Arlington, Bexley, Grandview Heights, New Albany, Worthington, Westerville, German Village, Clintonville, and Victorian village.
If you’re interested in working with Classic Inc. reach out to us today and we can provide a quote for your home. We look forward to speaking with you and learning more about how our services can help you bring the vision of your home to life.