Fall Temperatures Are Excellent for Exterior Painting

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In order for your paint job to turn out perfectly, the weather needs to cooperate. That’s why we’re here to tell you: Fall temperatures are excellent for exterior painting! Most people think of spring and summer months are best for completing house projects. Those months are definitely warm and much can be done. However, it turns out painting during the fall season is ideal. Painting brick, siding, trim, doors… no matter your project, there are several reasons fall is a perfect time to grab your paint brush and get to work.

At brick&batten, we’ve researched how late you can actually complete your painting without compromising your paint job… learn more on why fall temperatures are perfect for more than outdoor fires (though those are great, too).

painted southern home

#1 // Improved Paint Technology

Paint technology is constantly improving, allowing you to paint in temperatures as cool as 35 degrees Fahrenheit (with certain types of paints). Therefore, in northern states, it’s wise to wrap up any exterior painting in November, as the nights are getting cooler. However, you lucky southerners can still be painting safely into December.

#2 // Less Fluctuation in Temperature

Fall can be the best time to paint because there’s less of a difference between high and low temperatures throughout a 24-hour period. The temperature fluctuations are mild from day to night, creating a more stable temperature — which is a better atmosphere for painting. As an example, midwestern Indiana average temperatures in July range from 85 degrees Fahrenheit as the high to 61 as the low. Where as in December, the average high is around 49 degrees, with a low of 34. There isn’t as large of a temperature gap!

#3 // Cost of Painting

Though the price of your paint probably won’t change much, the cost of labor does! Pricing can be dramatically less in the fall, as the demand for painters drops significantly. With fewer customers, painters are far more likely to give a deal on your exterior work.

#4 // Ideal Average Temperatures

Extreme temperatures cause paint to dry unevenly, which isn’t great for your final result. Depending on where you live geographically, fall can deliver temperatures that are perfect for outdoor painting. For example, if you live in New York City, the average temperature in October is 47 degrees, which is ideal for painting. If you live in Columbia, South Carolina, average lows are 47 degrees in November, delivering you another month of safe painting.

#5 // Moisture & Humidity in Atmosphere

Another important factor when painting your home’s exterior is moisture. Paint should only be applied to a dry surface. Rain, snow, or humidity can impact the application and longevity of paint. After the house is wet, it needs ample time to dry before painting. In addition, your house will be pressure washed before paint is applied. If you’re taking on exterior paint as a DIY project, make sure your house has plenty of time to dry before undertaking the first coat.

We always recommend sampling and testing paint colors before committing. Factors such as natural lighting, undertones, and your property’s fixed elements will have a significant impact on how a color will appear on your exterior. Our friends at Samplize offer extra-large 9 x 14.75 inch peel-and-stick paint samples of the colors we love for exteriors. Order your ‘Real Paint, No Mess’ samples from Samplize here.
bubbly paint

Fall Provides the Best Weather for Exterior Paint Projects

In conclusion, it’s hugely important for the weather to cooperate when painting your home’s exterior. If it’s rainy, too hot, or too cold, your paint won’t dry or cure properly. That said, in the summer it may be too hot and humid for painting. During the spring, it’s often too rainy with those spring showers that set in. In the northern states and in areas at a higher elevation, winter will be too cold. Therefore, in most parts of the United States, fall is the ideal time to tackle your outdoor paint projects!

Fall is a great time to paint

Brick&batten would love to partner with you on your painting adventure with a virtual exterior design! Curb appeal can be dramatically impacted with new exterior paint. The return on investment is 141% when done right. Therefore, this is an incredibly smart way to add value to your biggest investment. Let’s get started!

Author

Cassie co-founded brick&batten in 2017 with her sister, Alli, but her love of home design was born years earlier. Cassie’s passion for design can be traced back to her childhood, when she’d accompany her parents on road trips through small towns in search of inspiration for properties they would buy, fix up, and sell. Prior to launching brick&batten, Cassie worked as a fourth grade teacher, but her love of design, architecture, home renovation, and open houses inspired her to pursue a new career. When writing for brick&batten, Cassie aims to empower homeowners to make the best informed decisions for their property. She knows from experience how challenging home renovation can be, and when she writes, she puts herself in the shoes of every homeowner with similar frustrations. Cassie currently lives in Florida with her four children, an old dog, and her loving husband. When she’s not working, Cassie is most likely checking out a nearby open house or traveling to learn about the latest house trends.