When is the Best Time to Paint a House Exterior?

If you didn’t get a chance to tackle those big painting projects this summer, you might be wondering, when is the best time to paint a house exterior? Did I miss my chance? Get ready for some great news, especially if you feel like you missed out or waited too long. Fall is also an excellent season for refreshing your home exteriors, tackling pre-winter deck staining, breathing new life into that old fence or giving your interiors a new coat of paint. 

Why isn’t everyone scheduling their projects during this time of year? The likely answer is that most people don’t know that it’s still a possibility, nor do they know all the benefits of painting during the mild, pre-winter months. Here are some of the best reasons to take on your painting project right now.

1. Weather

Weather is a key factor in deciding when to paint your home exteriors or tackle other outdoor paint and stain projects. Many homeowners tend to schedule exterior painting during warmer months, believing they can’t paint once it cools down. However, cooler temps and changing weather may actually benefit your project. 

Temperature

Fall brings cooler days and nights — but not so cold that the temperatures interfere with the paint’s curing process. Brands like Sherwin-Williams note that paint can be applied in temps as low as 35 degrees. Paint will take longer to cure at that temperature, but application still fits manufacturer recommendations. Painting at the lowest possible temperature is rare, however. Fortunately, the majority of the country still sees a decent range of 40s-50s overnight and 60s, 70s and even 80s in the fall. Those temperatures are great for ensuring the paint adheres properly and cures completely. 

Humidity

Depending on the state you live in, humidity can be a frustrating challenge during application and curing. Cooling temperatures tend to help lower humidity, which allows the moisture in the paint to evaporate at a steady rate. Lower humidity also ensures a more effective bond to the surface, increasing the stability and longevity of your paint. Ideal humidity for painting can range from 40% up to around 70%. If you already live in the Southwest or in a more arid climate, the colder weather will only enhance the dry environment. 

Rain/Snow

While some regions of the United States might see an increase in rain or snow in the fall, many others experience only moderate precipitation. That gives painting contractors more options for scheduling an appointment that works for you. An additional benefit is that you won’t have to worry about battling heavy moisture on your curing paint. When requesting complimentary estimates from painting contractors, ask about how they manage snow/rain. A reputable company will always work to ensure your paint is applied under the best conditions. 

2. More Options for Scheduling

Most homeowners save all of their big projects for the summer months. That’s why summer is AMC Painting’s busiest time of year. That trend can give savvy homeowners a huge advantage if they decide to schedule their project in the fall instead. Remember, business doesn’t slow down because contractors can’t paint. It slows down because homeowners don’t know they can. Take advantage of the flexibility that comes with the fall transition and snag that perfect appointment slot.

3. Preparation for Winter

Paint is an effective way to increase protection for your home over the winter. Paint creates an impenetrable barrier between your siding and the elements. High-quality, professional paint will block damaging UV rays and stop snow and rain from soaking into your siding. 

Paint also protects your trim, which can be even more important than your siding. That’s because trim blocks water from entering your home around windows and doors — common areas for leaks and damage. Paint seals your trim so it can stand strong in all weather conditions. 

AMC Painting also gives our customers an extra boost when it comes to winter prep. Our technicians will perform minor repairs like re-applying caulk or removing/sanding small chips and damage. These steps increase the protective benefits of your trim and help you keep your home snug and warm in the winter. 

4. Holiday Curb Appeal

Do you have lots of family coming to visit over the holidays? Will you be hosting parties or dinners? Painting in the fall will give your home dramatic curb appeal right before the influx of visitors really begins. Nothing transforms your home like a new coat of paint in a color you love.

It’s worth noting that you can also freshen up your home interiors with paint during this time of year. The days are still warm enough to leave the doors and windows open while your paint dries. By bedtime, professional, low-VOC formulas will be dry enough that you won’t have a super strong paint smell. Some of the more popular pre-holiday projects include repainting the kitchen and dining room, giving the guest room a welcoming new vibe or updating cabinetry, trim, molding, doors, chair rails and baseboards to give your home a clean, bright appearance. 

5. Get Your Home Ready for Sale

Are you getting ready to sell your home? Instead of lining up with other sellers for spring repaints, get your project completed in the fall! You’ll have a huge advantage over your competitors because your home will already be ready for business when the late-spring/early summer buyers’ rush begins. Additionally, your home looks buyer-ready  if you decide to list it over the winter. 

Discover the Benefits of Fall Painting for Yourself

Don’t wait all winter and spring to paint your home. Take advantage of the mild weather, flexible scheduling and protective benefits and schedule your painting project this fall.