Wow! It’s finally spring! Of course, the temperatures in the Chicago area are far from balmy in April, so you may be wondering if it’s possible to have the exterior of your home painted now.
We’re often asked this question. We interpret it to mean, “is it too cold or too wet to paint the outside of my house in April.” The answer has more to do with temperature than it does with moisture. Virtually all modern paints are latex acrylic. That means they can be used in temperatures as low as 35°F. However, we generally feel confident to proceed when the temperature is predicted to be above 40°F for a good portion of the work day.
It’s About the Temperature in April
The reason for this is twofold. First, we need the surface temperature of the home, not just the temperature of the air, to be 35°F or above. The second reason relates to preparation of the exterior. Each type of exterior surface has its own requirements for painting prep, which generally includes cleaning, caulking, and small repairs.
For instance, cleaning and prepping a home with vinyl siding would mean cleaning it with a power washer. On the other hand, cleaning and prepping a home with cedar siding requires inspecting for splits and cracks, caulking knot holes and often hand washing rather than power washing. Aluminum siding has different challenges as do stucco and hardwood. The drying time required after cleaning is impacted by the air and surface temperatures. And caulk, just like paint, is latex acrylic and shouldn’t be applied below 35°F.
You Can Trust Us to Know When the Time Is Right
As professional painters, we know the switch from oil-based paints to latex acrylics has given us more flexibility in scheduling. Latex acrylic paints like the ones we use from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams are less affected by the moisture content of the surface being painted. At the same time, these paints dry relatively quickly to the touch, which is called “flashing.” The time required between coats is reduced beyond anything we could have imagined with oil-based paints. Therefore, knowledgeable painters are able to apply multiple coats if necessary in low-temp situations with no danger of paint failure. That means you can have your home painted earlier in the year, in April, and enjoy the benefits sooner rather than later.
Bear in mind that, at Those Painting Guys Inc., we stand behind our work with a two-year warranty. Consequently, if we tell you that we are ready to proceed, you can be comfortable that the conditions are right.