Painting the Outside of Your House This Winter? Don’t Start Without These Steps

Whether you want to touch up the deck and fences, paint the front door, or update the siding with a fresh coat, you can tackle those exterior painting projects before winter is over. However, it's important to approach this project a bit differently than you would if you were painting in spring or summer, as cold temperatures and moisture can significantly impact the finish.

To ensure you get the best results, we consulted expert painters who advised on which paint to use, how to prep the home, temperature-tracking procedures, and when it might be best to wait until warmer weather arrives. Check out what they had to say below.

How to Paint the Exterior of Your Home in Winter

To ensure your exterior winter painting project is a success, you must pay close attention to your area's current weather. Homeowners should avoid painting the exterior of their home if the temperature or humidity is expected to fluctuate significantly, as this could leave bubbles or prevent the paint from adhering properly. Additionally, it's better to skip painting if the temperatures will drop below 35°F. If the weather is cooperating, there are, of course, steps you should take to further prepare your surface for the best results.

"Preparation is crucial for any painting project, particularly in winter. All exterior surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned before painting, as hidden contaminants can remain even on surfaces that look clean. If a surface is glossy, applying a primer or sanding might be necessary," Lisa Allardi, owner of CertaPro Painters of Roanoke, says. "Timing is important. Avoid starting too early in the day when temperatures are cold, and don’t finish too late, as dropping temperatures can prevent the paint’s drying process."

Follow the additional advice below to ensure your exterior painting project turns out just as good as if you were painting on a warm spring day.

Choose the Right Cold-Weather Paint

Selecting the right type of cold-weather paint is just as important as properly preparing the surface before painting. It's recommended to use a paint product rated for low temperatures and with a moisture-resistant formula, especially if your area experiences significant temperature swings between night and day. This type of formula will help the paint to form a film in about half the time, while protecting the finish.

"There have been many developments in acrylic paints that allow a good film to form even in colder months. Due to changes in paint manufacturing, you can now paint when temperatures reach the thirties, but avoid painting if the temperature is expected to drop below 35°F, even when using specialized paints," explains Kevin Henderson, owner of CertaPro Painters of Castle Rock.

Track Temperatures and Moisture Windows

Ideally, even if you are painting in winter, aim for a day with relatively mild temperatures and low humidity. This will help ensure the paint dries and cures properly, preventing peeling, cracking, bubbling, or splotchy finishes. Don't hesitate to put the project on hold if you wake up and find that the forecast was wrong or if the weather that week just doesn't seem to be cooperating.

"Most people have smartphones to check current temperatures and humidity levels. We monitor these conditions carefully, beginning projects later in the day until surface and air temperatures meet the ideal ranges. We complete painting within the recommended hours to make sure proper drying before temperatures drop too low," says Allardi.

Consider Your Regional Climate

Depending on where you live, painting in winter might be more difficult than in warmer climates. With this in mind, you need to be aware of regional climate conditions to properly plan and prepare your exterior painting project. If you are new to the area, it's worth looking into the typical regional temperatures, humidity levels, and weather systems to determine when to start your painting project.

"In Colorado, December through February are tricky times to paint home exteriors, as paint should not be applied when temperatures dip below freezing. We usually have a few warm days during those months, and we closely monitor nighttime temperatures to make sure that the temps stay above freezing if we do paint," Henderson says. "We start tackling exterior home projects again in Colorado in March or April, when temperatures are more favorable for paint application."

When It's Best to Wait Until Spring

In some cases, painting the exterior of the home in winter is a losing battle. Not only will the paint have trouble adhering and drying, but you will also be forced to work outside in freezing cold conditions for long periods, making the entire experience both uncomfortable and frustrating. "Generally, December, January, and February are the coldest months, and we tend to do less exterior painting during these times, choosing to wait until spring," expresses Allardi.