As a homeowner, there aren’t many feelings that compare to a freshly painted home that looks updated and makes you happy to come home each day. There are plenty of reasons why Toronto homeowners might want to paint the exterior of their homes. Perhaps if they’re getting prepared to sell and they want to improve the curb appeal, or it’s been several years. And they’re ready for a change, it can be on their to-do list.
Suppose you’ve never had your Toronto home professionally painted before. In that case, you may not know that there is a specific time during the year you should paint.
Understanding Different Paint Types and Their Weather Compatibility
When deciding to paint a house in Toronto, it’s crucial to understand that paint is not just about colour. Different paint types respond differently to weather conditions and temperatures. Here is a quick primer on the two most common types of paint: oil-based and latex.
Oil-Based Paints
Oil-based or alkyd paints have a reputation for durability and a beautiful, glossy finish. It’s particularly effective in high-traffic areas and on numerous surfaces, like wood and metal.
When it comes to weather compatibility, oil-based paints can generally be applied at temperatures above 10°C (50°F). However, they can take longer to dry, especially in high humidity or cooler conditions.
Latex (Water-Based) Paints
Latex paints, also known as water-based paints, are known for their quick drying times and ease of application. They’re resistant to mildew, do well in many weather conditions, and have lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them a more environmentally friendly choice.
Latex paint can often be applied in temperatures as low as 2 °C (35.6°F). However, they may also dry too quickly under the hot Toronto sun, resulting in an uneven finish.
Specialty Paints
Specialty paints are a new addition to the market and can be applied in a wider range of temperatures, some as low as -10°C (14°F). They work well in less-than-optimal conditions, which is convenient for unpredictable Toronto weather.
How does the weather impact exterior home painting in Toronto?
As Toronto residents know, four very distinct seasons offer us plenty of weather variety throughout the year. If you don’t know about best painting practices, you may think that summer is the best time to paint the exterior of your home. However, temperature and level of humidity can greatly impact the paint job on your home.
Most paint manufacturers will have instructions on the label for the desired temperature during application for the paint to perform its best. As you can imagine, it shouldn’t be below zero when trying to paint, and most producers will say it should be at least five degrees.
Summer is one of the busiest times for painting companies, and many people choose to get their homes painted during the hottest months of the year. However, this can also have a negative impact on the quality of your paint job. Hot and humid weather prevents the paint from setting correctly.
Unpredictable weather can also wreak havoc on your paint job. We know that weather can sometimes change on a dime and if you begin a paint job when it’s nice and warm. Temperatures drop too low overnight, or it starts to rain, it can ruin all your hard work. Even if it has recently rained, you’ll want to ensure you’re waiting a few days so the humidity can dissipate. Your paint can crack, bubble, or peel well before it’s supposed to if it doesn’t cure properly.
A professional painting company will keep tabs on the weather forecast. Ensuring that they book appointments only around consistent, ideal weather conditions.
What are the ideal weather conditions?
Mild and dry weather is considered the ideal weather conditions for painting the exterior of your home. Painting in the spring and summer months tends to keep professional painting companies pretty busy. Everyone wants their home painted to look great for the summer or in time to sell.
You should achieve an excellent paint job as long as the humidity is low and temperatures don’t drop significantly overnight.
So when is the best time of year to paint my home in Toronto?
Spring and fall are the best months to consider painting the exterior of your home. When spring arrives, the scorching temperatures haven’t started, and the humidity is at bay. There is much more consistent weather in the spring as the temperature drops at night aren’t as drastic. You will find similar temperatures in the fall as the weather starts to cool off from mid-September onward.
Even if you’re looking to paint your aluminum siding or windows, vinyl siding or windows, front door, or trim, you’ll want to ensure you’re working in the ideal weather conditions for any exterior paint job, big or small.
Practical Tips for Painting Your Home in Each Season
Despite the challenges presented by Mother Nature, painting your home can be done successfully in any season with the right tips and tricks. Here is what you need to know:
Spring
- Make sure any lingering moisture from the winter has dried out completely before you begin.
- In the case of unpredictable rain, halt your paint job until at least 24 hours after a heavy storm to ensure the surface is sufficiently dry.
- This is the best time of year to paint the outside of your house. However, choose days with minimal wind. Breezes can cause the paint to dry too quickly and can carry debris that sticks to fresh paint.
Summer
- Avoid painting in direct sunlight or on surfaces that are too hot, as this can cause the paint to dry too quickly, leading to problems like brush marks and blisters.
- Try to paint in the early mornings or late afternoons when the sun is less harsh.
- Check the weather forecast to ensure no sudden rainfall is expected.
Autumn
- Aim for the early part of the season, when the temperatures haven’t fallen too drastically.
- Clear off any fallen autumn leaves from your painting surfaces.
- Always keep an eye on the imminent fluctuation of weather conditions, and be prepared to pause if necessary.
Winter
- Use winter-grade paint that can be applied at lower temperatures if painting in winter is unavoidable.
- Be mindful of shorter daylight hours and aim to utilize the warmer, brighter parts of the day efficiently.
- Watch out for snow or ice accumulation, and make sure the surfaces are entirely snow and ice-free before painting.
Remember, these are just guidelines. Every home and painting project is unique, with several factors to consider, such as the size and material of your surfaces, the type of paint you’re using and, last but not least, the temperament of Toronto’s weather. A professional painting service can help you navigate these complexities for a fuss-free experience.
After Images of Exterior Painting
If you want to take on the job of painting the exterior of your Toronto home, you will want to pay close attention to the weather forecast. As long as you have low humidity, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, you should achieve your ideal paint job.
Whenever you want your home to look its absolute best, give Home Painter’s Toronto a call. Our team can not only help you choose the best exterior colours for your home. But we are always paying close attention to the weather to ensure our work won’t get ruined by the weather.
With 35 years of experience in the Toronto area, we know the best time to book your exterior painting job. Our team can book an appointment that is convenient for you during the best time of year to paint your home’s exterior. We have the expertise to deliver a paint job that will age beautifully during its lifespan.
If you’re thinking of doing some home exterior painting but don’t want to do the work yourself, let our exterior painters help! Even if you are undecided, our professional house painters can help you with any problems or questions. In case the work involved sounds like it may take too much time and energy to do yourself. Call us at 416.494.9095 or email Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com to get your FREE estimate! And don’t forget to follow us on all our social channels below!
