Painting the exterior of a home or building during cold weather can be challenging. However, with proper planning and preparation, it is possible to achieve beautiful, long-lasting results despite the frigid temperatures. As painting professionals with years of experience working in cold climates, we have compiled our top tips for successfully painting in cold weather.

Choose the Right Paint

Choosing a high-quality, cold-weather exterior paint designed specifically for low temperature application is crucial. Professional Tips for Cold Weather Painting requires paints with flexible resins that can expand and contract with the siding. Here are some things to look for when selecting paint:

Latex-based paints – Latex paint is ideal for cold weather compared to oil-based options because it cures through evaporation. It also offers more flexibility.
Quick dry formulas – Look for exterior paints marketed as “quick dry.” They are formulated to cure faster, so paint dries before temperatures drop at night.
Paint + primer combinations – All-in-one paint and primer products are great for cold weather. The primer provides extra adhesion.
Flat or satin finishes – Flat or satin finishes are better than glossy ones that can become brittle in freezing temps.

Always check that the paint container is marked “for use in temperatures down to 35°F” or lower. Using the right cold weather paint makes a huge difference!

Paint During the Warmest Part of the Day

Even when it’s cold outside, there will be a window of time when temperatures are warmer – usually in the afternoon. Professional Tips for Cold Weather Painting means carefully timing your painting session.

Only paint when temperatures are forecasted to remain above 35°F for at least 8 hours. This gives the paint enough time to adhere and cure properly.
Pay attention to when the sun directly hits the surface you are painting. Aim to paint during this peak warming period.
Start painting on the side of the house warmed by sunlight and move into shaded areas later in the day.

Planning your painting timeline around the warmest temperatures will prevent many cold weather painting problems.

Prepare Surfaces Properly

Taking time to properly prepare surfaces for painting is always important, but especially critical when painting in cold temperatures. Appropriate surface prep prevents peeling, cracking, and adhesion failures.

Wash surfaces – Use a high-pressure wash to remove dirt, chalky paint, mildew, and other contaminants. Let dry fully.
Scuff sand – Lightly sand glossy areas to dull the sheen and improve adhesion.
Caulk cracks and gaps – Use paintable silicone caulk to fill any cracks and gaps. Let cure fully.
Prime bare wood – Prime and paint bare wood as soon as possible. Unprimed wood absorbs moisture and can rot.
Use adhesive primers – Adhesive bonding primers create an extra-tight bond on slick surfaces like metal.

Proper surface prep is time well spent! It will allow the paint to properly adhere through many freeze/thaw cycles.

Maintain Correct Painting Conditions

Paint needs adequate conditions to apply and cure properly on the surface. Monitoring temperature, humidity, and dew point will prevent many cold weather painting problems.

Use a thermometer – Track both air and surface temperature. Only paint if above 35°F and rising.
Check humidity – Use a hygrometer to ensure humidity is below 85%. Higher humidity slows drying.
Calculate dew point – Avoid painting in late afternoons when temperatures could drop below the dew point, resulting in condensation forming on wet paint.
Create a controlled environment – Use tarps and enclosures to block wind and raise temperatures while painting and drying.

Carefully controlling conditions allows paints to be applied and cured within their specified temperature range. This prevents cracking, poor adhesion, and other failures.

Allow Proper Drying Times

It is essential to allow adequate drying time between coats when Professional Tips for Cold Weather Painting. Lower temperatures drastically slow the paint curing process.

Check manufacturer directions – Follow all guidelines for minimum time between coats. Add extra drying time as needed for colder conditions.
Allow a minimum of 24 hours between coats. 48 hours is better for colder weather.
Make sure one coat is fully dry before adding another. Test thick films by pressing with a fingernail to confirm it is no longer tacky.
Add additional drying time if humidity levels exceed 70%.
Only apply a second coat once the first coat feels dry and firm to the touch all over the surface.

Rushing the recoat schedule during cold temps is a common mistake than causes paint cracking and peeling. Be patient and allow proper drying between coats.

Use Specialty Application Tools

Using the right application tools can make painting in the cold much easier. Consider using these specialty products:

Pump sprayers – Airless sprayers allow quick application in cold weather. Practice on cardboard first to get used to sprayers.
Mini rollers – 4-inch rollers are easier to control than full size rollers on ladders. Use high-quality microfiber or lambswool rollers covers.
Foam rollers – Foam rollers apply paint smoothly. However, foam tears easily in the cold. Have extras on hand!
Brush extenders – Attach an extender handle to reach high areas more comfortably in bundled cold weather gear.
Plastic paint tray – Metal trays conduct heat and cause paint to thicken. Use plastic trays to retain heat better.

Upgrading tools for cold weather Professional Tips for Cold Weather Painting makes application much faster so paint dries properly.

Heat Paint Before Application

Acrylic latex paint becomes thicker when cold. Thick, icy paint is hard to control and brush evenly. Solve this by gently warming the paint:

Store paint cans in heated space overnight before painting.
Place paint containers in a bucket of warm water before use to take off the chill. Change water frequently to keep it warm.
Never heat paint directly over heat sources! This can burn the resins and ruin it. Only use indirect warming methods.
Stir paint thoroughly and check consistency on cardboard before applying warmed paint to the surface.

Heating paint makes a dramatic difference in ease of application in cold conditions. Just take care not to overheat.

Keep Paint and Equipment from Freezing

Freezing causes paint to thicken permanently and become unusable. Equipment can also be damaged. Prevent this with these tips:

Store paint indoors in a heated area overnight before using.
At the end of each work session, move any unused paint back indoors so it does not freeze overnight.
Between painting sessions, wrap brushes, rollers, spray tips and other tools in plastic to prevent them from freezing solid.
Check paint for separations or clumps before using paint that has previously frozen. Stir thoroughly before use.

Protecting paint and equipment from becoming frozen is cheap insurance against damage!

Dress Appropriately for the Conditions

Painting in heavy winter gear makes movement difficult. However, inadequate clothing in freezing temperatures quickly leads to discomfort. Dress properly by:

Wearing loose layers of breathable fabrics like cotton and wool.
Putting on windproof overalls to stop icy gusts of wind.
Using fingerless gloves for manual dexterity while keeping hands warm.
Protecting head, ears, and neck with a hood, hat, scarf or face mask.
Changing into warm, dry clothes immediately when done painting for the day.

Plan clothing in layers so it can be added or removed easily as you warm up from moving around while painting in the cold.

Pay Attention to Safety

Painting in cold conditions comes with safety concerns. Keep these tips in mind:

Use fall protection equipment when painting from ladders, scaffolding or lifts on windy winter days. Don’t take risks!
Check ladders and platforms for ice before climbing. De-ice safely before using.
Wear shoes or boots with aggressive tread to prevent slipping on ladders, plastic sheets or icy ground.
Keep a phone in a zipped pocket to call for help in case of falls or other emergencies in remote areas.
Never spray paint in high winds which can blow the mist onto skin and eyes.
If skin does contact paint, use a clean wet rag to wipe it off to prevent chemical burns.
Load equipment and unused paint cans into vehicle immediately when done so they don’t freeze overnight onsite.

Being alert and cautious with safety means many seasons of successful Professional Tips for Cold Weather Painting projects ahead!

Have Contingency Plans Ready

Even with the best preparations, painting in winter carries some risks of delays. Have backup plans ready in case of:

Unexpected temperature drops causing paint to freeze or not adhere properly. Be ready to stop work and safely protect equipment.
Sudden weather events like snow or heavy rain. Quickly cover work areas with tarps to prevent damage.
Illness, injury, or equipment breakdown during remote winter painting jobs. Know who to call to get assistance if needed.
Application problems or unsatisfactory results. Discuss warranty and fix-up options for issues needing spring time touch ups.
Scope changes, additions or change orders. Be clear on pricing and scheduling for any extra work beyond the initial contract.

Being adaptable and planning for cold weather contingencies means you can deliver quality results on time, every time.

Know When to Say No

In extremely cold conditions, the best professional recommendation may be to decline the job altogether. Only say yes if:

The proper cold-weather equipment, paints, additives, and tools are readily available.
Application conditions can be adequately controlled and monitored throughout the duration of the work.
The schedule allows for extra drying time between coats.
Workers have appropriate warm clothing and safety equipment for sub-zero temperatures.
Crew has proper training and experience successfully completing cold weather painting projects in the past.

It’s better to pass on a project than risk damage from attempting painting in dangerous or unsuitable conditions. Most clients will understand and appreciate your honesty.

FAQs About Professional Cold Weather Painting

Painting exteriors during cold weather comes with many challenges. Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about completing professional painting projects once the temperatures drop.

Is it OK to paint in cold temperatures?

Painting when temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit is possible, but it does require special planning and products to be successful. Most paint manufacturers set 35°F as the lowest recommended temperature for proper application and curing. Additional drying time must also be allowed between coats.

What temperature is too cold for spray painting?

Once temperatures drop below 45°F, spray painting becomes very difficult. The paint has a tendency to thicken in the hoses and tip of the spray gun. It can also “freeze” if the moisture in the air condenses on the paint as the air expands out of the sprayer tip. For best results, only spray paint when ambient air temperatures stay above 50°F.

Does paint dry slower in cold weather?

Yes, paint dries significantly slower when applied in cold conditions compared to warm weather painting. Depending on the exact product used and other environmental factors, drying times can be two to four times longer than normal. Always check and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for minimum drying times between coats when painting in the cold.

Is dew point important when painting outdoors?

The dew point must be considered when painting in cooler temperatures. If the temperature drops below the current dew point during drying, moisture in the air will condense on the wet paint. This prevents proper curing and adhesion and can ruin the whole paint job. Stop painting several hours before the temperature approaches the dew point.

Should paint be warmed before using in winter?

Gently warming latex paint before use in cold weather makes a huge improvement in ease of application. Paint becomes thicker at lower temperatures. Paint stored around 70°F will flow and spray much better than paint straight out of a cold shop or trailer. Take care not to overheat or actually cook the paint!

What problems can occur painting in cold weather?

Numerous problems like cracking, peeling, reduced coverage and poor adhesion can occur if temperatures are too low during application and drying. Other issues like condensation or frost can also damage fresh paint film. Using the right paint and controlling conditions prevents most cold weather painting problems.

Can you paint outside in winter?

Exterior painting through the winter is possible in many climates if proper cold weather painting techniques are followed. But if temperatures will routinely drop below freezing day and night for months, it is best to plan exterior painting projects during warmer seasons for ideal results. Paint simply does not adhere and cure well when applied to frozen surfaces.

Can you paint in humid weather?

While humidity alone won’t prevent paint from drying, high humidity does significantly slow evaporation. This extends drying times. Refrain from painting outdoors if humidity levels exceed 85%. If already applied, paint may stay sticky for many days when humidity is very high. Dehumidifiers can help dry things faster.

What should the temperature be when staining a deck?

Most deck stains require surface and ambient temperatures to remain above 45°F for proper application and drying. When staining in cooler weather, use fast drying stains and allow 48 hours between coats. Keep the deck surface clean and dry to prevent any moisture condensation while stain cures.

Can exterior paint be applied in direct sunlight?

The surface being painted should not be in direct sunlight, which can cause the paint to dry too fast and impair adhesion. Direct sun also heats the surface, expanding the wood siding. This can make paint crack and peel later as the wood contracts in cooler shade. Paint the sun-exposed side in the morning before the sun hits it.

Conclusion

Painting during cold weather adds challenges, but with the right planning and products, professional painters can successfully get the job done! Carefully preparing all surfaces, monitoring conditions, using specialty cold weather paints and tools, and allowing extra drying time between coats help ensure excellent results even when the mercury plunges. Just be sure to dress warmly, paint safely, and have a backup plan in case of delays from frosty weather. With smart cold climate painting practices, your customers will be thrilled with their fresh new finish before spring arrives!