Painting in the Summer Heat: What Homeowners in Tulsa Need to Know
Posted on July 31, 2025
When the sun blazes down on Tulsa in the summer, painting your home becomes more than just a routine project. It becomes a challenge. With average highs frequently climbing into the 90s and heat indexes pushing well into triple digits, understanding how extreme heat affects paint is crucial to a successful exterior painting service.
Why Summer Can Be a Great Time to Paint (With Caution)
Tulsa’s summer weather does offer some advantages for painting projects. The longer days and typically dry conditions provide ample opportunity for paint to dry properly when temperatures are within a safe range. When properly timed, a summer painting service can give your home a fresh new look and protect it from the sun’s harsh UV rays. When you work with CertaPro Painters of Tulsa, we only use reputable high-quality paint brands like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore.
The Heat Limit: When It’s Too Hot to Paint in Tulsa
It’s important to understand that there is such a thing as too hot to paint. Most paint manufacturers recommend applying paint when the air and surface temperatures are between 50°F and 85°F, with ideal conditions usually below 90°F. In Tulsa’s peak summer months (July and August), it’s not uncommon for temperatures to spike above 95°F by mid-afternoon. When surfaces like siding or brick are exposed to direct sunlight, they can become even hotter than the air around them.
Why is this a problem?
- Paint can dry too fast in extreme heat, not allowing it to properly adhere or level out on the surface.
- Blistering and cracking may occur as paint forms a skin on top while the layers underneath are still wet.
- Uneven sheen and premature fading can result from sun exposure during application.
Exterior Painting Tips for Hot Tulsa Summers
Paint early or late in the day: Try painting in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and surfaces haven’t absorbed as much heat.
Avoid direct sunlight: Work around the house based on where the sun is, painting shaded areas first and saving sunlit areas for later when they’re shaded.
Check surface temperatures: Even if the air temperature seems acceptable, surface temperatures (especially metal and dark-colored siding) may be much hotter.
Use paint formulated for heat: Some exterior paints are designed for high-temperature applications and dry more slowly to compensate for summer conditions.
Watch the weather: Sudden thunderstorms, which are common in Tulsa summers, can ruin a fresh paint job. Always plan around the forecast.
Schedule Your Next Exterior Painting Project in Tulsa Today
Painting in Tulsa’s summer heat requires strategy and patience. While summer can be a great season for home improvement projects, understanding when and how to paint makes all the difference in achieving a durable and long-lasting finish. You can fill out our online form to request a free estimate on your next exterior painting service.
