Tips for Fall House Painting

Get your projects completed in Northern Colorado before the weather begins to turn

Now that we are headed back to our autumn routines, there’s no denying that fall is here. Summer has a way of slipping away with house painting projects left undone. If you are considering putting your house painting project on hold until next year, don’t wait! This is often the perfect time to schedule your home for a fall painting estimate.

Repairs

By scheduling your home to have a once over with our estimator, you will not only get ready for a painting job that will boost curb appeal, but you’ll also be able to address any repairs that should be completed before the cold breezes sweep in. Putting off repairs of cracks and removal of mildew, your home can allow those problems to fester under the winter winds. By next spring, you could be looking at much more costly repairs. Sealing cracks and crevices protects your family from cold drafts and creepy crawlies.

Paint choice

When attempting to paint in the cooler weather, your experts should make sure the paint chosen will work at temperatures that you are experiencing outside. Ideally, the ambient temperature should be between 50 and 80 degrees for latex paints. There are paints that boast lower temperature ranges, down to near freezing. Your pro will be able to discuss the use and outcomes of these paints and weigh your needs against them.

If the temperature gets too low, the curing process might be slowed down. Generally this happens when the mercury drops below 50 degrees. Paint films and drying take longer when the weather is too cold. This doesn’t preclude you from painting, just know that you will need to wait up to 24 hours between applications.

Timing

To benefit from the sun and temperatures of fall, paint between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The morning dew will be gone before you start and the house will have time to dry. You’ll also have ample time for the paint to dry before the sun sets for the night.

Dew points

In addition to sunlight and temperatures, you’ll also have to keep an eye on dew points. Paints, stains and primers need time to dry before the dew sets in and causes water marks to dry on the finished product. The temperature in the air must be at least 5 degrees higher than the dew point. This means dew will not be able to form until that temperature reading drops.

Labor

Whether you are painting your home yourself or bringing in a crew, working in lower heat and humidity just makes the job more bearable. Should you choose to bring in help, painting in off-seasons can prove helpful. Crews are more readily available and you might even be able to take advantage of any specials.

Are you ready to get started? Schedule your free, in-home estimate now.