How to Paint Your Exterior in the Fall & Winter

It may seem counterintuitive to paint your exterior during the cooler and wetter seasons, but we promise it can be done! The key is familiarity with the products you’re using, how they’ll be applied and paying close attention to the weather, particularly when it comes to moisture in the air and on the surface you’ll be painting. Read on for more on each of these important components.

Paint Coatings

Paint application and drying can be affected by low temperatures, both in the air and on the surface of your exterior. Getting familiar with paints that perform well in low temperatures is an important step in the process, and one that a painting contractor can be hugely beneficial in helping with.

Generally, you want to be wary of using alkyd and oil-based paints, which contain oils and resins that thicken at lower temperatures. This can make paint application extra challenging and may even require an extra step for thinning.

Similarly, latex paints are made with water which is susceptible to freezing and could mean improper drying and bonding in your paint job. This could lead to problems like peeling, cracking, bubbling and even an inconsistent color over time.

Outside Temperature

While the ideal temperature to apply most paints is above 50 degrees, many of today’s exterior paints can be applied as low as 20 degrees depending on the type of paint and brand.

We always recommend checking the paint manufacturers recommendations as a starting point and making sure to consider the temperature of the entirety of your project - when you’ll be starting and finishing - in your planning process. Generally, you want to ensure the temperature is above the manufacturer’s recommendations for at least 48-hours to avoid issues down the road.

Surface Temperature

Along with the outside temperature, you’ll want to consider the temperature of the actual surface you’ll be painting. Is it in direct sunlight most of the day? In the shade for part of it? Low outside and surface temperatures can lead to issues with application, drying, appearance and performance. A professional can ease this step as they are well versed in testing surface temperatures to identify the best time of day to complete your project.

Overall, the best way to ensure your fall or winter paint job is done properly?

Working with a professional painting contractor. Any contractor you work with should provide you with the above considerations and be willing and able to offer a robust recommendation that includes details for how they came to each conclusion. Once hired, they should also be conducting the appropriate onsite inspections and tests to determine the most ideal time to paint.

We, at Alpine, have decades of experience when it comes to painting exteriors. We prioritize making sure our clients understand their paint jobs fully and are part of the process from start to finish - whether they’re looking to paint in the early chill of fall or in the middle of winter.

Contact us today with questions and to start an estimate and check out more on painting in the colder months here.