Most paint brands have labels that warn users not to paint at temperatures below 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks to modern advances in painting materials, most paint manufacturers now offer latex acrylic paints that can be applied outside the house at temperatures as low as 35 degrees. At Ricciardi Brothers, we offer a formula specifically designed to extend the painting season. Painters should strive to paint at consistent temperatures to ensure a uniform application.
Just remember that when using most coatings, the best temperature for outdoor painting ranges from 50°F to 90°F. You don't want to be caught painting at much lower temperatures, since that's where the problems start. If you dare to paint in cold weather, make sure you don't let the surface or air temperature drop below 35 degrees for at least 36 hours after application. The paint won't dry or process properly and, when spring comes, you could end up with unsightly bubbles and bumps in the paint.
For best results, we recommend not painting if the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The surface must remain dry for a good period of time after painting it to ensure better adhesion. The minimum temperature at which the paint can be applied can not only be related to air, but also to the temperature of the surface being painted. Obviously, regardless of the outside temperature, it's never a good idea to paint when it rains.
Water-based paint freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, while oil-based paint can withstand lower temperatures. Since paint thickens in colder climates, consider using brushes made with nylon, polyester, or Chinex bristles. Painting professionals often use infrared thermometers to avoid guessing whether conditions allow it or not. We have all the supplies you'll need to complete a successful painting project, including the most effective outdoor paints in the market.
While paint reacts differently in cold temperatures compared to its behavior in warm temperatures, winter days can still provide numerous opportunities to get the job done. For example, the exterior paint temperature should be between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit when using latex paint. This is especially important to keep in mind if you are going to paint with a dark shade that contains more dye. However, water-based paints that are applied below the recommended minimum application temperature are susceptible to premature paint damage.
Temperatures below 50°F invite a series of conditions that can produce less than ideal results (you may have heard stories about painting problems during the winter), but that doesn't mean you should keep your brushes away when the first cold front hits.
