Painting Your Home in Winter

Sarah Robinson
Image
PainWinter4_1.png

When winter arrives, we all tend to go into hibernation mode and create cozy spaces to hang out in. When you're spending so much time at home, you might want to change things up a bit. A fresh new paint color in your space is a great way to give yourself a little pick-me-up during those cold, grey days. But with the weather being unpredictable in many places, is it a good idea to paint during winter?

Exterior house painting in winter

We often get people asking us, "Can I paint the exterior of my house in winter?" The answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. When it comes to exterior painting, your window of opportunity will be different depending on where you live.

In order for your paint job to turn out perfectly, the weather needs to cooperate. The temperature and conditions at the time of painting can affect how the paint dries. If it's too cold out, the paint might not cure properly, resulting in an uneven finish. The same goes for rain; you want to give any wet surfaces a few days to properly dry out before painting, and you also want to make sure it's not going to rain while the paint is curing after application. While there are special paints designed to work in colder temperatures, they can be quite costly and tricky to work with. While you're painting, you have to monitor both the air temperature and surface temperature to make sure the paint will cure properly.

If you happen to live in an area that tends to get a lot of rain or colder temperatures during the winter, it's a good idea to hold off on your exterior painting job until the weather warms up. However, if you happen to live in a relatively mild climate, such as the southern United States, you'll likely be able to paint the outside of your house during the winter months.

Interior house painting in winter

So, if winter weather can make it tricky for exterior painting, can you still paint the inside of your home in the winter? This answer is pretty simple: yes! Winter is a perfect time to get interior painting done. In many climates, winter tends to be a lot less humid, which is great for indoor painting too. When the air is full of moisture, it keeps the paint wet and prevents it from drying properly. If the paint is still wet, it won't properly bond to the walls. In winter, it's also a bit easier to control the temperature indoors. When you turn on the heat, you can keep the temperature consistent, which helps the paint to dry and cure properly.

Is it a good idea to paint in the winter?

If you're looking to update the inside of your home during the winter months, go for it! However, for exterior painting jobs, it's a good idea to ask a professional. They'll be able to help you decide whether it's best to wait for warmer weather or go ahead during the winter.

  • Interior Painting