When it comes to exterior painting, weather can make or break a project. One thing many Tucson residents ask is, “When is too hot to paint outside?” If the weather is too hot, the paint will have cracking and a poor finish, but if it’s too cold, the paint won’t dry well. Finding the right time to paint is all about paying attention to the forecast and adjusting the project as needed.
In this guide, we’ll talk about when it’s too hot outside to paint, what happens when you paint in extreme heat and other weather-related considerations. If you need exterior painting professionals in Tucson, you can count on Spahr’s Painting. We’re dedicated to providing high-quality work every single project.
What Happens If You Paint in 100-Degree Weather?
When is it too hot to paint outside? The answer to this question depends on the paint you’re using. In general, however, anything about 90°F is too hot to paint. This means that 100°F is way too hot for painting. Unfortunately, living in Arizona, most summer days hit 90°F or higher.
So what happens if you paint when it’s 100°F outside? Some common issues include:
Rapid drying: Paint dries much faster than it should. This can prevent the paint from adhering to the surface properly and result in uneven coverage.
Blistering and peeling: Extreme can cause the top layer to dry quicker than the layers underneath, trapping moisture or air. Over time, this leads to blistering and peeling.
Cracking: When the top layer hardens before the lower layers, the tension between the layers can form cracks.
Reduced durability: Excessive heat prevents the paint from properly curing, which leaves it weaker than it should be. This in turn leads to premature fading and chalking.
Shortened working time: In hot weather, you have less time to smooth out or fix mistakes before the paint begins to set.
What Happens If You Paint When It’s Too Hot?
Temperature plays a crucial role in how paint dries and cures. Most paints contain solvents or water that have to evaporate in order for the paint to dry. When it is too hot to paint outside, the solvents or water will evaporate more quickly, leading to issues in the paint’s finish.
Additionally, paints like oil-based or two-part epoxies rely on a chemical reaction to harden the paint. In 90°F weather or higher, the paint will cure too quickly, which can cause a brittle finish or improper bonding with the surface.
What’s the Best Temperature to Paint Outside?
The best temperature for painting outside usually falls between 60°F and 85°F. This range allows for optimal drying and curing without the risk of drying too fast or too slow. Some exterior paints can handle temperatures as low as 35°F, but make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
In Arizona, the best time of year to paint is usually during the fall, from October to early December, and the spring, from March to early May. These seasons offer the most moderate temperatures without excessive humidity and extreme heat. Some people paint during the winter since the day temperatures can be pretty mild. If you decide to paint at this time of year, make sure to check the overnight temps. Anything below 50°F may cause your paint not to cure correctly.
What Happens If You Paint in Cold Weather?
Aside from worrying about when is too hot to paint outside, you also need to worry about when it’s too cold to paint. In temperatures below 50°F, the paint dries and cures more slowly. Here are some of the issues of painting in cold weather:
Slower drying time: Cold temperatures slow down the evaporation of solvents or water in the paint. Extended drying times increase the risk of dust, dirt, and other contaminants sticking to the wet paint.
Poor adhesion: Paint may not adhere properly to the surface in cold conditions, which can lead to peeling, blistering, or flaking once dry.
Inconsistent finish: Cold temps also affect the paint’s consistency and application, and can lead to uneven coverage or streaks.
Inhibited curing: Cold temperatures make the curing process go much more slowly. This can result in a finish that remains soft, tacky, and vulnerable to damage.
Risk of freezing: If the temperature drops too low, paint can freeze. This not only disrupts the drying and curing process but also can damage the paint and make it unusable.
How Humidity Affects Paint
Another weather consideration for painting in Arizona is the humidity. Most of the year, Arizona is very dry. However, during the monsoon season, humidity levels rise. Like temperature, humidity impacts the way paint dries, cures, and adheres to the surface.
High humidity adds moisture to the air, which makes the paint dry and cure more slowly. This can cause the paint to sag or drip since the paint is wet for longer. Humidity can also prevent the paint from sticking well to the surface and can lead to peeling and blistering over time. With the slower drying time, there is also more of a risk of mildew or mold, especially in shaded areas. For best results, wait to paint until the humidity is between 40% and 70%.
Can You Paint in the Rain?
No, just like you shouldn’t paint when the humidity is high, you should not paint in the rain. Wet surfaces prevent paint from properly sticking, which leads to peeling and flaking. Rain or high moisture also causes the paint to streak, drip, or apply unevenly. And if rainwater gets trapped beneath the layers of paint, it can cause long-term issues.
You should always wait until the surface you’re painting is completely dry before painting. It also needs to stay dry while drying and curing. Avoid painting if there’s rain expected in the next 24 to 48 hours. Even if you’re using water-resistant paint, it’s best to wait until the weather is dry. If you must paint in the rain–or if unexpected rain occurs–use tarps or other coverings to keep water off the paint.
What If It Rains after Painting?
Rainfall before the paint has fully dried can cause several problems. You should always do your best to plan outside painting projects when there is no rain in the forecast. However, sometimes unexpected storms happen. If it rains after you paint your home’s exterior, here are some problems you may see:
Streaking: If the paint hasn’t dried, rain can cause streaking or runoff marks.
Blistering: If moisture gets trapped under the paint before it fully dries, the paint may blister or bubble. This is common with latex paint that hasn’t cured properly.
Peeling: Water weakens the bond between the paint and the surface, which can lead to peeling over time.
Extended drying time: Humidity from the rain can extend the drying and curing time of paint, which means you’ll have to wait longer to apply a second coat.
If you need to touch-up a painted surface after rain, wait for it to fully dry first. Any minor issues can be sanded and touched up, but extensive damage will likely need to be repainted.
Other Things to Consider
Beyond worrying about when it’s too hot to paint outside, there are other outdoor conditions that can affect how well paint dries and cures. Here are some other things to consider when painting outside:
Wind: Wind can cause dust, dirt, and debris to blow onto the wet paint, leading to a rough or uneven finish. Wind can also cause the paint to dry too quickly. If you’re using a paint sprayer, wind can blow the paint away from the target area and cause uneven coverage and overspray.
Temperature swings: In some parts of the year, Arizona sees big temperature fluctuations between day and night. Warm days followed by cold nights may cause cracking or peeling paint.
Sun exposure: Painting in direct sunlight can cause the paint to dry too quickly. It’s best to move around the house with the sun and try to paint in shaded areas.
Cloudy conditions: Overcast days are some of the best for painting since they avoid direct sun exposure while maintaining steady temperatures. Still, you’ll want to double-check that there’s no rain in the forecast.
Time of day: Another important consideration is the time of day you paint. In Arizona, it’s generally best to paint during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid rapid drying.
How Long Does Exterior Paint Take to Dry?
The drying time of exterior paint depends on a number of factors. Latex and other water-based exterior paints are usually dry to the touch after an hour or 2 and dry enough for a second coat after 4 to 6 hours. Latex paints take up to 4 weeks to fully cure.
Oil-based paints, on the other hand, are usually dry to the touch after 6 to 8 hours and dry enough for a second coat after 24 hours. Oil-based paints take between 1 to 4 weeks to fully cure. However, extreme temperatures or humidity can cause these times to vary.
When is Too Hot To Paint OutsideSummary
When is too hot to paint outside? The general rule of thumb is anything above 90°F. When temps reach extreme levels, the paint dries too quickly and may not adhere well. It’s best to paint in temperatures between 50°F and 85°F when the humidity is below 70% and there’s little to no wind.
Tucson’s extreme heat and UV rays can make your paint deteriorate more quickly than other places. If your home’s exterior has cracking, peeling, or fading, it’s time for a refresh. Sparhr’s Painting provides some of the best exterior painting services in Tucson. Let us show you our dedication to high-quality work and reliability. Contact Spahr’s Painting today for an estimate.
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