When Is the Best Time to Paint the Exterior of a House?

This is a smart (and common) question for anyone who expects to paint their residential home. After all, you want to be sure you bring in the professionals so the paint job gets done right. When considering painting the exterior of your home, timing is crucial for the best results. In the Denver and Front Range areas, this is especially true due to the unique climate and weather patterns.

So when is the best time to paint the exterior of your home? It depends on several factors, including your location, the weather, and other environmental factors.

Typically, exterior painting rarely occurs in the winter in areas where the temperatures drop below freezing, but it’s not just the cold weather that leads to this standard. Many factors impact how well the paint adheres and how good it looks once it does.

This article will get into the best times to paint the exterior of your home, why you should consider the weather when scheduling an exterior paint job, and all the other information you need to know before progressing with adding a new coat of paint to your home.

Everything Depends on the Weather

When should you paint your house? One of the primary things that factors into the answer is the weather. If you live somewhere that stays 60 degrees Fahrenheit and has little wind or rain, painting can occur nearly anytime. In Denver and the Front Range, where weather can be unpredictable, it's important to choose a time with stable conditions.

When the temperature gets too cold, the paint doesn’t adhere correctly. 

You also want to look at whether any precipitation is expected. Snow, rain, and ice can be issues when painting the exterior of a home. You need dry weather to make sure your exterior color ideas look great when placed on your property. If it’s expected to rain, it’s best to hold off on the project until the sun is shining. 

Wind also factors into the best times to paint the exterior of your home. A small breeze is fine, but serious wind can cause paint overspray. This could lead to splatters of color on your car, landscaping, or even your neighbors home. Make sure to consider each of these factors as you move forward.

The Best Time to Paint the Exterior of Your Home

The best time to paint your home is when the weather is somewhere between about 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The day should be warm and dry and any rain storms should have had a day or two to dry up before the painting starts.

You also want to watch the weather for the days following the painting project. If it rains before the paint can cure, the moisture could cause serious damage to the paint. When you work with a painting professional, they can provide insight into the best time to paint your home’s exterior.

Can You Paint in the Winter?

Winter is not the best time to paint a house exterior. Even if it’s dry outside and the wind isn’t blowing, Overnight low temperatures and even daytime temperatures can make painting a challenge. However, there may be situations where you don’t have a lot of choice in the matter.

For instance, someone who is selling their home in the autumn or winter may need a paint job before a deal goes through. Don’t stress; in the Denver area, there may be warmer days suitable for painting, even in colder months.

The best thing you can do in this situation is to choose a day when the temperature will be higher than usual. Above 40 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and no hard freeze at night is necessary. Some paint types work better in this kind of situation, so make sure you speak with your exterior painting expert to see what your options are.

Is There Such a Thing as “Too Hot to Paint?”

Hot weather and direct sunlight pose their own challenges. When temperatures are very high, it can impact how well the painting looks on the exterior of your home. 

When it’s extremely hot the paint could dry too quickly, which makes the finish less attractive. Brush marks or clumps of paint that dry on a brush can even stick to the surface of the home. Painters will try to work in the shade in order to avoid this problem.

Starting early and finishing work before the hottest part of the day is a good way to avoid the heat. Painters will also work on the west sides in the morning and the east sides in the afternoon as a strategy to combat the direct sunlight. 

During the hotter seasons a professional painting company will schedule an ideal day to paint your home and will move the date if they believe the weather will impact the quality of the job. 

Ready for a Fresh Start? Request Your Quote from Singletrack Painting Now!

The Best Time to Paint the Exterior of Your Home in Colorado

For those who reside in Colorado, there are specific times when painting may be a better option than others. The general rule of thumb is to have the exterior of your home painted between April and October.  Although, you can potentially paint your home any time the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

When you choose Singletrack’s exterior painting services, we’ll help you determine the best time for us to come out and take care of the job. Summer tends to be ideal due to the warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and low levels of precipitation. 

Let Singletrack Painting Take Care of Your House Painting Needs

Working with a professional painting service will ensure you choose the best time to paint the exterior of a house. Qualified experts will provide a high-quality paint job that is sure to last longer than the one you could do on your own. Their experience, access to special tools, and knowledge about painting will go a long way.

If you're in Denver or the Front Range, Singletrack Painting can help you determine the optimal time for your exterior painting project.

Are you ready to have your exterior painted? Work with Singletrack Painting to get the best results. We offer several years of experience with interior, exterior, and general residential painting. Get in touch with us today to get a quote and start the process.

Discover More Educational Resources