Summer Painting Tips

How to Paint Your House in the Summer

Beat the Heat When Painting Outside

One of the bigger obstacles regarding exterior painting in the summertime is the heat. Depending on where you live, daytime summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the recommended painting temperature for most types of paint (typically between 45 and 85 degrees). Not only is it uncomfortable to work in this heat -- paint can have a hard time adhering and drying when temperatures are this high. Fortunately, there are a few ways to get around or mitigate the temperature problems during the summer. 

First, try to choose a span of days with moderate temperatures, low humidity, and, if possible, minimal direct sunlight. Of course, you don’t want to paint while it’s rainy or windy, either, so paying attention to the forecast in general is key. Next, you might try reconstituting your paint, which involves adding small amounts of water to the paint to make up for evaporation. Lastly, you might place your paint bucket in ice to keep it at a reasonable temperature. These are delicate processes, so if you’re not sure how to properly reconstitute or cool your paint, leave it to outdoor house painting professionals.

Leverage the Light

While the summer’s extended amount of daylight contributes to the heat problems mentioned above, the extra light can also work to your benefit if you’re strategic in your approach. For one thing, the morning light will allow you to get a head start and tackle exterior painting fairly early while temperatures are low. If possible, start in the shadiest areas and follow the shade as the light moves. Doing so will keep you and your paint cool and ensure that it dries properly. The summer light can be your friend, too, offering a bright, detailed look at your home’s surfaces and paint job so you don’t miss any spots.

Air Out Your Interiors

While interior painting can take place any time of the year, doing so during the warmer months is often a good strategy. This is because during the winter, you’re forced to keep your home completely shut to maintain a proper internal climate. As a result, paint fumes linger inside, having nowhere to go. While you don’t want your home to get too hot or humid in the summer, you have more leeway when it comes to opening up windows and doors. Airing out your home in the summer reduces the fumes and aids in the drying process.

Get the Complete Picture

Painting in the summer also gives you a comprehensive view of your home’s exterior -- trees, shrubs, and flowers are in full bloom this time of year, the grass is green, and there is plenty of natural light. This landscape is a part of your property’s exterior as a whole, and seeing it in its full glory can help you decide which colors to choose for exterior house painting. Conversely, in the winter your landscape might be barren, gray, and/or covered in snow, not offering much inspiration. So, take advantage of the fullness of summer to cultivate the exterior aesthetic you desire.

Painting during the summer comes with its set of challenges, but if you come prepared, this time of year might be the best to update your home inside and out. And if you need help bringing your vision to fruition, the experts at Endure Painting are here to help. For more information regarding our skills and services, call us at (510) 458-2120 or send us an email at hello@endurepainting.com.