Painting the exterior of your home is a big undertaking, and finding the perfect time to do it can be challenging. Many homeowners consider the summer season for their outdoor jobs, but is this the best decision? Today, we walk you through everything you need to know about painting exterior walls in the summer in Brisbane to help you decide if it’s the right move for you.
Is Summer the Best Time For Painting in Brisbane?
Summer can be a good time for painting exterior walls in Brisbane, with warm temperatures helping to speed up drying time and reducing your wait time between coats. The longer days during the summer can also be helpful, giving you more time to paint without worrying about losing the light. However, like with any time of year, you do need to consider the weather conditions, which can impact your ability to paint outdoors, including:
- Rain – even in the summer, a sudden shower can ruin freshly applied paint
- Humidity – high humidity levels slow the drying process, with low humidity, your ideal conditions for outdoor painting
- Temperature – you need the perfect temperature for paint to cure. Too hot and it can crack, too cold and it won’t dry properly
How Does Painting in the Summer Compare to the Other Seasons?
Summer can seem like a good option with longer days and dry, warm weather, but let’s see how it compares to the other seasons:
- Spring – provides moderate temperatures and low humidity, but the chance of frequent showers can make it hard to find a dry window for outdoor painting
- Summer – warm weather and longer days provide more opportunities for outdoor painting, but extreme heat can cause uneven finishes and cracks as paint dries
- Autumn – has similar conditions to spring, but shorter days reduce your painting window, along with unpredictable weather
- Winter – requires temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as cold weather slows drying, and the chance of frost or snow will damage fresh paint
What are the Benefits of Painting Exterior Walls in Summer?
Painting exterior walls in the summer offers several benefits, making it the ideal time of year for your outdoor painting. The biggest benefit is the longer daylight hours, giving you more time to complete your painting projects. You don’t need to start first thing in the morning if you don’t want to, as you will have more light in the evenings than in the other seasons to get the painting done.
The longer daylight hours are handy if you have a larger home to paint or want to apply multiple coats in the same day. You can also enjoy warm temperatures, which are ideal for the paint to dry and cure. Many paints work best in temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. You will want to check the temperatures before painting and ensure your painting is complete before the temperatures rise above this, which is why many choose to start their painting first thing in the morning.
Reduced rainfall in the summer is also helpful, as you don’t need to worry about the paint washing away!
What are the Challenges of Painting Exterior Walls in Summer?
Despite the benefits of painting exterior walls in the summer, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The biggest challenge in Brisbane is heatwaves, which can make painting uncomfortable and impact the paint itself. In high temperatures, paint can dry too quickly, causing cracks and uneven surfaces. To combat this, look for heat-resistant paint, carry out painting in the early morning or late afternoon, and keep your tools in the shade.
You may also experience increased UV exposure when painting in the summer, which can cause your paint to fade or discolour. To prevent UV damage, choose UV-resistant paint or apply a protective top coat to extend your paint’s lifespan. Lighter colours are a good option, as they absorb less heat and fade slowly.
In the summer, you need to consider high humidity, which can slow drying and cause the paint to peel or bubble. You will want to paint during less humid parts of the day and consider a paint formulated for high-humidity conditions.
Tips for Painting Exterior Walls in Brisbane in Summer
Use our tips to get the most out of painting in the summer:
- Check the weather forecast before beginning painting
- Prepare the surface
- Paint in the shade, using high-quality paint
- Stay hydrated while you paint
Start Planning Your Exterior Painting Today
Painting your exterior is possible during Brisbane summers, but you will need to consider the challenges to ensure you select the right day and time. To save yourself a lot of planning, we recommend hiring professional painters to handle your exterior painting, such as DC Decorators. Based in Brisbane, they are used to painting in summer and can ensure you get the best possible finish. Contact these painters in Brisbane to find out more.