Why Early Summer Is Ideal for Exterior Painting

Does the exterior of your home seem to have lost its luster? Or do you just want to make your property feel brand new? Whatever the reason for your exterior painting project, early summer is the ideal time to do it.

Reasons to Paint Exteriors in Early Summer

Unlike interior painting, the paint outside your home is constantly exposed to elements that could potentially damage it—wind, rain, pests, UV rays, and so on. If you're planning to apply a coat of paint on your home's exterior, you must find the right timing to achieve a professional finish. Painting your exterior at an ideal time makes the job easier and faster.

Early summer is one of the best times to start your exterior painting project. Here are a few reasons why.

Warmer Weather

Not all days are ideal for painting. If you’re wondering what the best weather for exterior painting is, the answer would be warm weather, as it can help speed up the painting process and even ensure a professional finish.

A painting job, whether interior or exterior, starts with surface preparation. Painters must ensure the surface is completely dry before applying paint. Otherwise, the paint won't properly adhere to the surface and may peel.

Early summer makes prepping an exterior for paint easier. The weather is warm, so surfaces, primer, and paint dry quickly and thoroughly. Temperatures aren’t typically too hot, either, which makes life easier for the people painting (it also ensures the paint won’t dry before it can fully bind).

Longer Days

Early summer offers the gift of extended daylight, which provides ample time to tackle your exterior house painting project. The longer days give you or your contractors long hours to meticulously paint every nook and cranny of your home's exterior.

With more daylight available, you can work comfortably without feeling rushed, ensuring attention to detail and precision.

The additional daylight hours also come with the added benefit of enhanced visibility. Natural light is a painter's best friend, allowing for accurate color selection and the ability to spot imperfections or missed areas.

Consistent Temperatures

Consistency in temperature is crucial for a successful exterior paint job. Early summer days tend to maintain an even keel in this regard, only dipping 10-15 degrees (Fahrenheit) overnight before bouncing back during the day.

Extreme heat or cold can hinder the paint's ability to adhere properly, impacting its durability and longevity. By painting a house’s exterior in summer, there's little risk of temperature fluctuations, ensuring optimal conditions for paint application and curing.

Additionally, consistent temperatures contribute to a more comfortable working environment for the painters, allowing painters to focus on their craft without battling extreme weather conditions.

Little Chance of Rain

Rain isn’t good for painting, period. It can cause streaks, water damage, and prolonged drying times. The idyllic image of early summer is often associated with clear skies and minimal rainfall, which is another factor that makes it an ideal time for exterior painting.

By scheduling your project in early summer, there’s minimal chance of rain interfering with your painting plans. This ensures a dry canvas for your brushstrokes and allows the paint to dry efficiently, leading to a smooth and flawless finish. There are always exceptions to this rule, of course, which is why the best painters keep a close eye on the forecast year-round.

Protection From Extreme Heat

Raleigh's average daytime temperature in the height of summer rises to 89.1°F. By painting your property's exterior earlier in the summer, your walls will be protected from the harmful effects of UV rays, moisture, and other environmental factors that can cause damage over time.

In addition, the paint can provide an additional layer of insulation, helping reduce heat transfer through the walls at the peak of summer. It can result in a more comfortable indoor temperature and potentially lower energy costs for cooling.

Improved Curb Appeal

Summer is a great time for outdoor activities. People tend to spend more time outside their homes, basking in the sun or having barbecues on the lawn. If you want your property to look more appealing, adding a fresh coat of paint will do the trick.

The right choice of colors can enhance architectural features, highlight accents, and create a welcoming ambiance. Paint can also help cover any imperfections or outdated surfaces, giving a clean and polished look.

And if you’re planning to sell your property (which many choose to do in the spring and summer), newly painted exteriors can boost its value.

Are There Other Ideal Times for Exterior Painting?

If circumstances do not allow for exterior painting in the early summer, don't worry, because you can still find the perfect time for painting any time of the year. You should watch out for a few things, such as rain, wind, temperature, and humidity.

Rain: If you want the best result, the paint should not get wet for at least five days. Check the weather forecast and schedule your exterior painting project when there's no expected rainfall within the next few days. Rain will prevent the paint from adhering to the wet surface and even wash it away. The paint will also dry much slower.

Wind: Windy conditions aren't ideal for painting. The wind blows dust and debris into the paint, often leading to an uneven finish. Aside from that, a strong wind can compromise the painter's safety. Winds blowing at more than 15 miles an hour can blow you off your ladder. Choose a day when the wind isn't too strong: an 8 mph speed would be ideal.

Temperature: Summer in Raleigh can get pretty hot. Since we’ve mentioned how extreme heat can affect paint’s ability to adhere to the surface, you may be wondering, “Can you paint the exterior of a house in summer?” Actually, you can. But the temperature should be below 85°F to prevent the moisture from evaporating quickly. Temps should not drop below 50°F. Too cold isn’t good for painting either.

Humidity: High humidity levels can prolong the drying time of paint, resulting in a sticky or tacky surface. Excess moisture in the air can also lead to paint blistering or peeling. Choose a day with lower humidity levels, preferably below 50%, to ensure the paint dries properly and maintains its integrity.

If you’re planning to handle exterior painting yourself, scheduling the project at the perfect time is crucial. Ideal conditions will help you achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish.

But if you’re hiring a pro, you don’t have to worry about the timing. All you need to do is tell the experts what you want for your walls, and they will handle the rest.

Pros Can Paint Your Home's Exterior Year-Round

Early summer provides favorable weather conditions for exterior painting. But if you're not ready to start this home improvement project or the need for a new coat of paint arises at other times of the year, Anderson Painting's team can help you.

Anderson Painting's skilled painters are equipped to paint your home's exterior year-round, providing you with the flexibility and convenience you need. Whether it's damage to the existing paint or simply a desire to refresh the look of your property, the pros are ready to assist you.

Regardless of the time of year, our team approaches each project with the same level of dedication and attention to detail. They will consult with you to understand your vision, recommend suitable colors and finishes, and execute the painting process efficiently and effectively.

When you're ready to upgrade your property with paint, call Anderson Painting anytime. Our team also offers other services, like carpentry, so you don’t need to look for other service providers. Anderson Painting can do it all.