Everything You Need to Know About Painting the Outside of Your House

If you are looking to paint the exterior of your home and have never done so before, you may have many questions. Such as:

  • When is the best time to paint your house?
  • Does weather or temperature matter when painting the outside of your home?
  • What type of paint must I use on the outside of my home?

These are the most common questions. 

If you are asking yourself this, don’t worry; we have everything you need to know about painting the outside of your home.

What is the Best Temperature to Paint the Exterior of My House?

To paint your home, you first need to check the temperature outside. 

The ideal temperature outside should be between 50 degrees to 80 degrees.

If the temperature is too hot or cold outside, it could prevent the paint from binding correctly. 

Ensure the temperatures stay between those levels for the next couple of days to ensure the paint dries fully.

It is also best to aim to paint your home on a day when the humidity is between 40 and 50 percent, allowing the paint to dry the fastest.

It is essential to paint the exterior of your house at the optimal temperature and humidity listed above, as it will allow the paint to last longer.

If the paint is applied when the temperature and humidity are too high or too low can cause the paint to peel in the future. 

Thus, it can cost more money and time as the outside of the home will need to be repainted sooner.

What are the Best Seasons to Paint the Exterior of Your Home?

Since it is best to have the temperature be between 50 and 80 degrees outside, seasons significantly impact when you can paint the outside of your home.

The region you live in will determine the best time to paint the exterior of your home. 

For many states, the best time to paint your home is spring and early fall (depending on how quickly winter comes).

However, the weather in some states may make it optimal to paint your home during winter and summer, but you must ensure the temperature will be stable for several days. 

This will give you the optimal time needed to get your house painted and have the paint dry after you finish. 

Nothing is worse than having a half-painted home because you forgot to check the weather and didn’t realize a week-long storm was coming.

What are the Different Types of Exterior Paint?

There are several different types of paint for painting the exterior of homes. Below we have four common types of exterior paint to choose between.

Acrylic Paint
Acrylic Paint is known for being water resistant, although it is not waterproof. 

So you cannot paint this on your house while it is raining or the surface is wet. However, this paint is considered to be durable and long-lasting, along with being water resistant.

Latex Paint
Latex paint dries quickly, which is a huge perk. 

The paint drying quickly allows you to paint multiple coats in a shorter time frame. Thus, allowing the ability to complete the outdoor painting job quicker.

Another great perk of Latex paint is that soap and water can clean the surface after it fully dries. Making it easy to clean the exterior of your home.

Oil Based Paint
Oil-based paint is optimal for painting the outside of the home as it prevents the paint from fading. 

Furthermore, oil-based paint covers more effectively with each coat.

Double-check the paint can and ensure it states it is for exterior paint.

When painting the exterior of your home, add at least two coats of paint. 

Adding two coats of paint protects the house from the weather, allowing the paint to last much longer.

If you are unsure of what type of paint is best for your paint project, major retail stores such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, and personalized paint stores like Sherwin Williams have staff on hand to assist.

How Often Should I Paint the Exterior of my Home?

If you paint your home at the correct temperature with the proper paint, your paint job should last 5-7 years. 

It is recommended to paint the outside of your home every 5-7 years to keep your house looking new and in premium condition.

Painting the exterior of your home can be dangerous as you climb a ladder. 

Please be careful when painting the exterior of your home.

Recap:

  • Paint when temperatures are between 60-80 degrees
  • Paint is best when humidity is between 40 -50 percent
  • Make sure the weather is stable to get the job complete (time for paint to dry)
  • Paint your home every 5-7 years

About Author, Meho Besic
Guest Writer, Amora V Lifestyle
Husband, Explorer & Adventurer 

Meho is a contributor to Amora V Lifestyle, where he takes his knowledge from owning Certified Painting Professionals and shares it with the world.

Meho is passionate about his family and, when not working, exploring the great outdoors! Meho loves nature and never turns down a great adventure.

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