Temperature changes and humidity levels can affect paint performance and longevity. You cannot paint during just any time of the year and expect favorable results and must determine the right time for exterior painting.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding the best time to paint your house.
Ambient Temperature
Do not paint when the temperature is below 50 degrees, or your paint may not get the opportunity to dry and creases may develop or sagging may occur. You may also need to work harder to apply paint when temperatures are too low.
Most professional painters in Oahu, HI recommend painting in temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees. If you cannot wait through the cold winter months for a fresh paint job, look for a high-quality paint with an advanced formula that prevents deterioration even when it is applied on cold days-temperatures as low as 35 degrees.
If you apply paint on a hot day, it may dry too fast, which can result in bumps, wrinkles, and other imperfections. The risk is particularly high if the surface that is being painted receives direct sunlight.
Relative Humidity
Humidity affects how paint adheres to surfaces. Too much moisture can cause surfactant leaching and produce unsightly white or brown spots on the surface. If you paint on a hot, humid day, bubbling or peeling may occur.
To avoid problems, paint when the humidity levels are between 40 and 70% so your paint gets the opportunity to properly adhere to surfaces.
Wind
Do not paint on a windy day or your paint may not get enough time to cure properly. On warmer days, paint tends to dry too fast. This can affect its ability to properly adhere to the surface. Choose a calm day for painting your interior and exterior. Before starting, make sure wind speeds do not exceed 8 mph.
To summarize, best time to paint the exterior of your home is when:
- The relative humidity is between 40 and 70%
- Wind speed is less than 8 mph
- Temperatures are between 50 and 85 degrees
Before painting, check the weather forecast. Avoid rainy days or rain may wash the paint off the surface and it won’t be able to adhere.
Hire A Professional
With over 25 years of painting experience, the team of professional painters at Diamond Painting know exactly when the conditions are right to paint the exterior of your home in Oahu, HI. Take the guess work out of the factors that go into the timing of your next exterior home paint project and give our team a call today! To book your appointment, call (808) 344-8899.