Traditionally, most paints adhere to temperatures between 50°F and 85°F — but many manufacturers offer paints specifically formulated for cold environments. Most are rated for temperatures down to 35°F and are ideal in chilly regions.
For example, painting at temperatures below 50°F can lead to surfaces drying improperly, sometimes with a cracking paint film. Cosmetically, painting in cold temperatures can also create issues with color uniformity and make touch-ups look far too obvious.
“It should be at least 50° F when you're applying the paint and shouldn't drop below 32° F at night for several days after,” says Rico de Paz, who oversees Consumer Reports' paint tests.
But take note that in order for the paint to properly dry and cure, the air and surface temperatures should not drop below 35° for 36 hours after application. However, to stay on the safe side and avoid any unwanted speed bumps, Hirshfield's expert Mark Masica suggests painting in no less than 50°F weather.
Each paint formula is different, but as a general rule, for most oil-based paints, the ideal temperature to apply should be between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. For latex-based paints, it's 50 to 85 degrees, although some more innovative paints are formulated to dry at lower temperatures, even as low as 35°F.
As a rule of thumb, the best temperature to paint outside is 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with an ideal painting temperature range of 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This translates to roughly 4 to 32 degrees Celsius as the best temperature range and 10 to 21 degrees Celsius as ideal temperatures to paint exteriors.
According to The Paint Quarterly Institute, most latex paints shouldn't be applied when the air temperature gets below 35°F to 50°F. There are a few reasons for this: The paint takes longer to dry. Wet paint, as a result, is more vulnerable to collecting dirt, insects and pollen.
Most paint brands have labels that warn users not to paint in temperatures below 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks to modern advancements in paint materials, most paint manufacturers now offer acrylic latex paints that can be applied to the exterior of your home in temperatures as low as the threshold of 35 degrees.
The Impact of Temperatures Too Cold for Exterior Painting
Oil-based paints thicken in cold weather, causing stiffer brushing, heavier application, and less coverage per gallon, reducing the overall life expectancy of the paint.
Paint will usually dry the best when it's not overly humid. As we mentioned earlier, you'll usually find the best temperatures during the early summer and early fall, depending on where you live. Stick to these times of the year, and you'll probably end up with fantastic painting weather!
However, to be safe, give the door a light sanding first (see steps 5 and 6) before painting (step 8). You will likely need two coats of exterior door paint, as the first will act as a primer.
You cannot just simply paint over your door as it will result in a poor appearance. To make the paint last longer and avoid any cracks and holes, you need to prep the door first. Before you begin painting your front door, clean the door thoroughly.
Once painted, let the door dry for a minimum of 24 hours, and then apply a second coat. Again, let everything dry for a minimum of 24 hours (we recommend extra time for humidity and other bad weather).
Traditionally, most paints adhere to temperatures between 50°F and 85°F — but many manufacturers offer paints specifically formulated for cold environments. Most are rated for temperatures down to 35°F and are ideal in chilly regions.
Most traditional latex-based paints won't cure at temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 degrees Celsius). If you paint in colder weather, the paint may change colors, "blush or "bloom" (appear milky, blotchy or cloudy), lose its glossiness in some areas, run or drip.
Penetrol is a low-odor paint additive that can help with the effects of weather and surface conditions on paint. It can also be used on metal and fiberglass.
Professional painters consider outdoor temperatures for every successful paint job. We prefer to paint when the air temperature reaches above 50°F, and we avoid drops below 32°F. Even warm daytime temperatures will not ensure a durable finish if the nights become too cold.
These conditions can result in a finish that may eventually dry, but will exhibit reduced durability, gloss, and repairability. Therefore, it is important to ensure your products, your substrate, and ambient spray temperature are all above 60°F to insure proper curing of your paint film.
A good temperature range for the paint to dry is between 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
We recommend using a roller and a brush when painting a front door. A roller helps cover larger, flatter areas more quickly. Brushes are ideal for recessed and detailed areas that require more precise application, such as edges and curves on your door.
A satin or semi-gloss sheen is ideal, as it can withstand moisture. Imperfections: If you're looking to cover or hide imperfections, flat or eggshell finishes are best. Durability: Areas with high traffic or exposure to moisture require more durable finishes, such as semi-gloss or satin.
In fact, exteriors can be painted during the winter time as long as the outside temperature is at least 35 degrees Fahrenheit. You also have to make sure you use the right type of paint. Currently, certain acrylic paints can be applied in low temperatures. As a result, a home can be painted in the dead of winter.
Don't work in wet or humid conditions.
This can cause streaks, fading, or poor adhesion to the surface. If the humidity is high then condensation can form on surfaces in the late evening or overnight. This can cause streaks, fading, or poor adhesion to the surface.
Paint the door from the top down, using a wide brush for corners or crevices and a small roller for flat panels. Make long strokes with the brush, and clean any visible lines on the front of the door with a dry cloth.
It's typically best to embark on your painting endeavor in the morning, precisely between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. This recommendation comes with a practical justification; as the day progresses, temperatures invariably rise, resulting in better and faster drying times.