Exterior painting is a great way to enhance the look and value of your home, and it also provides vital protection against the elements. Whether you are going to paint your home yourself or you plan to hire a painting contractor, it is important to know when the best time for exterior painting is. The two main considerations are the temperature and precipitation.

Most exterior paints can be applied when the weather is above 50 degrees, as long as exterior surface of the house is also above 50 degrees. In other words, after a cold night, don’t paint as soon as the air has warmed to that temperature, but wait until the siding has warmed as well. Most paint manufacturers also have low-temp paints that can be applied when the temperature is in the upper 30’s, but it is generally a better idea to wait for warmer weather if possible.

Here in Washington, the exterior painting season begins in late April and can usually continue through October. NEW STAR PAINTING, we usually focus on interior painting from November through March.

Contrary to what many people expect, hot weather is not the best time for exterior painting. Paint cures best when it dries slowly, so hot days can actually cause the paint to dry too fast. This factor can be reduced by choosing to paint the different sides of your house when they are in shade.

Even if the temperature is perfect, exterior painting can’t be completed in wet weather. The surface of the house must be completely dry before it is painted, or the new paint will fail. On wood portions of the house, it can take a couple days of dry weather before the house can be painted. It is also important to watch the forecast, since rain falling on new paint will have disastrous results. Do not paint if rain is forecast within 6 hours of when you finish painting.

NEW STAR PAINTING is a quality painting contractor serving the Kitsap County. Our painters are highly-trained and respectful of your home and your family. We provide excellent results and a positive exterior painting experience.