Paint is sensitive to weather. Put it on when it is too cold, too hot or too damp, and it will not cure the right way. That can lead to peeling, blistering or a finish that never looks quite right. In the Philadelphia area, with humid summers and cold winters, timing matters.
Here is how we think about the best time to paint outside in Northeast Philadelphia and lower Bucks County.
The short answer
Late spring and early fall are the best times to paint an exterior here. Think roughly May into June, and September into October. Days are mild, nights are not too cold, and humidity is usually lower than in midsummer.
That does not mean you cannot paint in July or August. You just have to plan around the heat.
Temperature
Most exterior latex paints need the air and the surface to be at least 50°F while the paint is going on and for several hours after. Some newer paints are rated for lower temperatures, but cooler weather still slows drying.
Just as important is the overnight low. If the day hits 60°F but the night drops to 38°F, dew and cold can hit the paint before it has cured. In early spring and late fall, we watch the forecast closely and start later in the morning, after the dew has burned off.
Heat and direct sun
Very hot surfaces cause problems too. On a 90°F day, siding in full sun can get much hotter than the air. Paint dries too fast, which can leave lap marks and poor adhesion. In summer, we follow the shade around the house, painting each side when the sun is off it.
Humidity and rain
High humidity slows drying, and rain on fresh paint can wash it off or leave spots. We like a dry forecast for at least a day after painting. Wood also needs to be dry before it gets paint or stain. After a soaking rain, a deck or wood trim may need a day or two to dry out.
Decks and pergolas
Decks and pergolas follow the same rules, with one more: the wood needs to be clean and dry. We usually wash a deck, let it dry fully, then stain or paint. Late spring is a popular time because you get a fresh deck for summer. Early fall is great too, because it protects the wood before winter. Read more about our deck and pergola painting service.
Front doors and trim
Doors and trim are smaller jobs, so they are easier to fit into a good-weather window. A front door repaint can often happen in a day or two when the weather cooperates. If your entry needs a refresh, see our door and entryway painting page.
Why booking early helps
Because the best painting weeks are limited, good painters book up during spring and fall. If you want your exterior done at the ideal time, it helps to reach out a few weeks or even months ahead. We can do the walkthrough and quote early, then put your job on the calendar for the right weather.
What about interior work?
Interior painting can happen any time of year. Winter is actually a great time to paint inside, since schedules are often more open. Learn more about our interior painting service.
Signs your exterior needs paint now
- Paint is peeling, cracking or flaking
- Bare wood is showing on trim, sills or doors
- Caulk around windows and doors is cracked or missing
- Color has faded a lot on the sunny side of the house
- Mildew keeps coming back on siding or trim
If you see these signs, do not wait too long. Bare wood soaks up water and can start to rot, which turns a paint job into a repair job.
Plan your exterior project
We paint exteriors in Northeast Philadelphia, Bensalem and Feasterville-Trevose. Curious about cost? Read our house painting cost guide. When you are ready, request a quote or call Andy’s Painting LLC at (267) 752-5432.