Best Temperature for Exterior Painting Textured Surfaces
Winter weather is still clinging to many northern areas of the U.S. For more southern regions like Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin, TN, on the other hand, residents are already enjoying warmer weather and sunny days. As temperatures climb, outdoor projects like exterior painting become feasible once again. That said, painters must still keep a close eye on the local forecast when preparing to paint exterior surfaces – you don’t want to paint when it’s too cold, but you don’t want to paint when it’s too hot, either. So, what is the optimal temperature range for painting exterior textured surfaces? Let’s discuss.
What to Know About Temperature and Exterior Painting
How Temperature Affects Painting Outcomes
First, let’s go over why temperature is such an important factor to consider when painting exteriors. Temperature is the measurement of kinetic energy, which is a technical way of expressing how fast or slow particles are moving. Particles that move slowly have a lower kinetic energy (and therefore lower temperature) than those moving more quickly. Let’s apply these physics to exterior house paint. If outdoor temperatures are cool enough, paint particles cling more closely together and slow down, creating a thicker substance that takes longer to dry. On the other hand, if the air is too hot, paint particles spread out and move more rapidly, drying faster than is recommended. In either case, the likely outcome is an uneven, less durable paint finish. Read our blog, “Can Temperature Affect Paint?” for more on this topic.
Finding the Goldilocks Zone for Exterior Painting
So, when it comes to exterior home painting, some situations are too hot, and others are too cold – the question is, which temperatures are just right? The answer partially depends on the exact paint product you’re using, as some are more flexible in terms of their ideal temperature range than others. Generally speaking, though, you want to aim for days with temperatures that consistently fall between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. There is often some leeway here. Most oil-based paints, for instance, will do fine when applied in temperatures between 40 and 90 °F, and both latex and acrylic paints do best between 50 and 85 °F – regardless, it’s best to aim away from the extremes and opt for temperatures closer to the middle within these specific ranges. Whether or not your house exterior is textured, the best exterior painting outcomes occur when temperatures are right around 70 °F and don’t fluctuate too far from that target throughout the day. Fortunately, Nashville, TN, and surrounding areas are filled with days like these starting this time of year.
What’s the Right Paint for Textured Surfaces?
As mentioned earlier, the perfect temperature range for exterior painting depends on the type of paint you use. Before anything, then, you must determine which paint is right for your exterior textured surface. High-quality exterior masonry paint is typically the best paint for brick, stucco, cement, stone, and other textured materials. Masonry paints are durable, versatile, breathable, and stylish, providing a smooth, even finish over even the most rugged surfaces. Before applying masonry paint, local exterior painters will carefully check the local forecast to make sure temperatures are suitable for application and drying.
The exterior painting season has officially begun in Nashville, TN, and similar regions. At Nash Painting, our experts are well-versed in the local climate and keep a close eye on the latest weather patterns to deliver the best exterior painting outcomes. To learn more about us, our services, and our values, call us at 615-829-6858 today!