temperature to paint outside
Liam Parker
Updated on June 24, 2026
“It should be at least 50° F when you’re applying the paint and shouldn’t drop below 32° F at night for several days after,” says Rico de Paz, who oversees Consumer Reports’ paint tests. Even if it’s warm during the day, the paint won’t form a good film if temperatures drop too low at night.
Is 35 degrees too cold to paint outside?
A general rule of thumb is to use oil and latex paints when painting. If your home is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you should not paint the exterior. If the temperature outside is below 50 degree Fahrenheit, latex paint will not be suitable for painting.
Can you paint 40 degree weather?
An overall general rule of thumb is that oil-based paint can be applied when the temperatures are between 40°- 90° F and latex paint is best applied between 50°- 85° F. However, latex paints are best for most exteriors (we recommend 100% acrylic).
Can you paint in the winter outside?
You CAN Paint Your Exterior in the Winter
Since overnight temperatures can often chill exterior walls even if the ambient temperature is over 35 degrees, we often start painting in the late morning after the sun has warmed up the surface of the home and stop painting around mid-day to give the paint time to cure.
Will paint dry in the cold?
Paint needs an environment of at least 50 degrees in order to dry properly. It may crack sooner than later if applied in too-cold temperatures. Even if it is 60 degrees during the day, if the temperature dips below 50 degrees at night, the paint structure can be compromised.
How cold is too cold to paint Sherwin Williams?
Paint should not be applied when the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. As with materials, paints also react to changes in temperature and humidity.
How do you paint when its cold?
If the air temp is over 50°F but the surface is still cold, use a hairdryer or heat gun to warm the surface up a bit. Don’t cook the existing paint off, just warm it up to the touch. Paint goes on best between 70°F and 80°F, so it won’t take much applied heat to bring the temp up.
Is it OK to paint during winter?
Paint should never be applied at under 50 degrees and ideally not under 60. Take into account the temp of the walls, which in winter can be colder than the room air temp. Keeping rooms temperate will allow paint to dry faster and deliver the best results.
What is the best time to paint outside?
So, what is the ideal weather for exterior painting? Early summer and early fall usually offer up the best weather conditions, with minimal rain and minimal fluctuations in temperature from day to night. This will ensure the paint goes on smoothly and has the chance to dry and cure properly.
How long does it take paint to dry outside?
Exterior latex paint, like most paints, usually takes between four and eight hours to fully dry. It is a good idea to allow for at least twelve hours of drying time before the rain starts. If you can allow the paint to dry 24 hours before it rains, that is best.
Will exterior paint dry overnight?
Most paints need at least 24 hours to properly cure. When temperatures drop below the ideal at night, even if daytime temperatures were perfect for painting, this can affect the drying process.
Can you paint in a cold garage?
Can Paint Be Left In A Cold Garage? It is generally recommended not to store paints and solvents in freezing temperatures. Paint can’t be stored in a garage if the weather is cold. Depending on the type of paint you have, the point at which low temperatures will render it unusable will vary.
What is the ideal painting temperature?
For an oil-based paint, the best temperature to apply is between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. For latex-based paints, it’s 50 to 85 degrees.