Cold weather can make or break your paint job, causing adhesion issues, uneven drying, and even cracking. If the temperature isn’t in the right range, your fresh coat of paint might not last as long as it should. Whether you’re tackling the job yourself or trusting experts like Miles Makarowski Painting, knowing how cold it can be for exterior painting can save you time, money, and frustration. Keep reading to explore the ideal temperature for exterior painting projects.
How Temperature Affects Your Paint Job?
- Temperature plays a huge role in how well paint sticks and lasts. If it’s too hot or too cold, you might end up with peeling, cracking, or uneven coverage. The right surface temperature helps the paint cure properly and prevents frustrating issues down the line.
Painting when it’s too cold can make paint thick and hard to spread, leading to patchy coverage and sagging lines. Even if the paint itself is warm enough, applying it to a freezing surface can cause adhesion problems. Waiting for the right conditions is key to a smooth, durable finish.
Why Hot Weather Can Be a Problem?
- Painters know that extreme heat isn’t ideal for a quality finish. When temperatures climb above 90°F, the paint dries too fast, making it harder to blend strokes and creating a rough, uneven look. It can also cause bubbling, peeling, and poor adhesion, meaning your fresh paint job won’t last as long as it should.
How do Cold Temperatures Affect Paint?
- Cold weather slows down the drying process, especially when temps drop below 55°F. Wet paint sits longer, making it easier for dust, dirt, and bugs to stick to the surface. Oil-based paints thicken in the cold, making application harder and reducing coverage per gallon.
Timing is everything for a professional finish that lasts. Miles Makarowski Painting knows how to work around weather conditions to get the best results, whether you’re painting in the summer heat or the winter chill.
Best Temperature for Exterior Painting
- The right temperature makes all the difference in how well your paint sticks and lasts. Latex paint works best between 50° and 70°F, while oil-based paint holds up between 45° and 90°F. If you’re painting in cooler weather, some latex paints are made to handle temps as low as 36°F due to special additives that help them cure properly.
Considerations Before Painting Outside
- Professional painters consider surface temperatures in addition to checking the air temperature. A house that’s been cold for months might need extra time to warm up before painting. Working in direct sunlight can dry the paint too fast, leading to an uneven finish, so it’s best to paint in the shade when possible.
Also, painting too late in the day can be risky. If the paint hasn’t fully dried before the temperature drops at night, dew can cause streaks or adhesion problems.
Choosing Miles Makarowski Painting for Exterior Painting
- When it comes to exterior painting, choosing the right professionals is key to ensuring your project is done correctly and lasts for years. Miles Makarowski Painting understands the importance of painting in ideal conditions in Atkinson, from the right temperature to the right products, ensuring your home’s exterior gets the best treatment possible.
With years of experience and attention to detail, we guarantee high-quality results, no matter the weather. We consider factors like humidity, temperature, and the best materials to suit your needs, providing you with a flawless finish.
Give your home the professional treatment it deserves with our exterior painting services. Experience Neat, Efficient, and Professional service with Miles Makarowski Painting. Call us today at (603) 489-8802 for a complimentary estimate. We are located in Atkinson, NH.