Can You Paint Exterior Painting In The Rain?
So, should you paint the exterior of your home when the forecast says their may be rain? It does depend. Painting your home's exterior is not a one size fits all. Learn how we avoid any mishaps while transforming your home.
Exterior Painting in Wet Conditions
When it comes to maintaining the exterior of your home, painting is a critical task that not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also provides a layer of protection against the elements. However, homeowners often find themselves at the mercy of the weather, especially in regions prone to rain.
The question arises: can you paint the exterior of a house in rainy weather, or is it a recipe for disaster? Let's delve into the myths and realities surrounding exterior painting in wet conditions.
The Difference In Types of Painting
So the first thing you will need to ask yourself which seems obvious, is "What am I painting?". Staining a fence and deck is going to a be quite different to touching up some window trim around the sides of your home.
Once you have figured that out, here are some general rules of thumb.
Interior Painting During a Rainy Day
Interior painting is almost better on rainy days! As the rain will not come inside it is completly fine to paint the home of your interior when it may be a bit wet outside. The only consideration should be if you are moving any furtiture from inside to out.
If so, use some plastic tarps to cover it or find alternative storage. Other than that, fill your boots!
You Should Avoid Exterior Painting For Rainy Days
There's a longstanding belief that exterior painting should only be done in perfect weather conditions—sunny, dry, and with moderate temperatures. Now exterior painting defenitly does not succeed in rain but there are a few considerations to make before ruling any moisture out.
The myth suggests that rain is the arch-nemesis of fresh paint, causing immediate washouts, uneven drying, and a host of other issues. While there is some truth to the challenges rain can pose, advancements in paint technology and professional techniques have changed the game.
Nowadays, yes you should avoid rainy days as it can ruin the longevity of your paint but a bit of mist will not ruin your project as paints have come a long way.
Where we would be open to painting on a rainy day would be for any semi-stain for very short periods of time on and off misting or for small exterior touchups such as after a project or window trims to cut in on.
Duration of Wait Between Painting and Moisture
At the heart of the matter is the relationship between paint and moisture. Water-based paints, in particular, are sensitive to high humidity and direct contact with water. When paint is applied to a wet surface or exposed to rain shortly after application, it can lead to inadequate adhesion, streaking, and prolonged drying times.
However, not all paints are created equal, and some are specifically formulated to handle higher levels of moisture.
It Just Rained, How Long Do I Have To Wait Before Painting?
The answer does depend on many factors, one thing to consider is how wet the surface is. At the end of the day, the surface is dry to the touch you should be fine using more acrylic paints on the exterior of your home.
We typically like to let the surface dry over 48 hours before painting, but all situations are different.
In the summer, you can wait even shorter, but we do want to stress it heavily depends on the substrate. Here are the average drying times we wait for average weather on the west coast:
| Substrate | Drying Time | Reason |
| Stucco | 48 hours | Stucco absorbs moisture deeply due to its porous nature. It's important to wait at least 1 to 2 days after rain, depending on humidity levels and temperature, to ensure it has fully dried out. |
| Concrete | 48 hours | Similar to stucco, masonry surfaces absorb a lot of moisture. |
| Wood | 72 hours | Wood can hold a lot of moisture, especially if it’s pressure-treated or unsealed. Waiting a minimum of 1 day is critical, but in some cases (especially treated wood or high humidity), you may need to wait up to 3 days before painting. |
| Fiber Cement | 24 hours | Fiber cement dries relatively quickly but still needs about 24 hours to be moisture-free after rain. Make sure there’s no dampness left in any joints or seams before painting. |
| Vinyl | 4 hours | Vinyl siding dries much faster since it doesn’t absorb moisture like porous materials. In warm, dry conditions, you can often paint a few hours after rain, as long as the surface is fully dry to the touch. |
Modern Paints and Techniques To Paint In The Rain
Modern exterior paints have come a long way, with many brands offering options that can tolerate light rain or high humidity. These products often have quicker drying times and are designed to form a resilient layer once dry.
Additionally, professional painters employ techniques such as timing the application between rain showers and using protective coverings to shield freshly painted areas from unexpected drizzles.
If you would rather skip the guessing game, our team of professional exterior painters can help you with your project. Contact us today!
When Can You Paint In The Rain?
Painting outside when it’s raining isn’t ideal, but you can still get some work done if the rain isn’t hitting the wall directly. To make sure your paint job turns out well, even in uncertain weather, follow these simple steps:
- Check the Weather Forecast: Try to plan your painting for a time when rain is least likely. The best time is when there are a few dry days in a row.
- Pick the Right Paint: Use paints that are made for damp conditions. These paints can handle some moisture without being ruined.
- Prepare the Surface: Make sure the surface you’re painting is clean and dry before you start. It’s a good idea to do this on a dry day before painting.
- Reduce Moisture: Professionals sometimes use fans or heaters to help paint dry faster and keep moisture away.
While painting in high humidity (above 65%) isn’t recommended because it slows down drying, you can still paint in light moisture as long as you take these precautions. Just keep in mind that the paint might take a little longer to dry in these conditions.
When to Postpone the Painting Project
Despite the best preparations, there are times when it's wise to postpone an exterior painting project. If heavy rain is forecasted, or if the surfaces are already saturated from previous rainfall, it's best to wait for better conditions. This will prevent the paint from failing to adhere properly and ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish.
How Long Does Paint Need to Dry Before Rain
When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, timing is critical, especially when rain is in the forecast. Here’s a breakdown of how long different types of paint need to dry before they can safely withstand rain:
- Latex Paint:
Light Rain: After about two hours, latex paint should be able to withstand light rain without significant damage. However, if rain does hit, you may need to touch up a few areas, but the paint job won’t be completely ruined.
Full Rain Resistance: For best results, allow the paint to dry for at least six hours before it is fully rain-resistant. This ensures that the paint has cured enough to handle moderate to heavy rain without washing away or forming bubbles. Our favourite paint we recommend is Emerald Rain Refresh from Sherwin Williams during the rainy season as it is a latex based paint that leaves a clean finish after each time it rains! - Oil-Based Paint:
Oil-based paint requires more drying time than latex. You should allow at least 24 hours of drying time before any exposure to rain. Because oil paints dry and cure more slowly, they are more susceptible to damage if rain hits before the full drying period has passed.
Professional Advice Goes a Long Way
For those considering an exterior painting project during the rainy season, consulting with a professional painter is crucial. They can provide valuable insights into the local climate, the best type of paint for the conditions, and the ideal timing for the project. Their expertise can make the difference between a botched job and a beautifully painted home that stands up to the weather.
The Final Word
In conclusion, painting the exterior of a house in rainy weather is not strictly off-limits. With the right approach, materials, and professional guidance, it can be done successfully. It's important to weigh the risks and be prepared to adjust plans according to the weather.
In our eyes, you can always wait but when something is to come up unexpected, these are the steps you can use to avoid any defects. The weather will not always be on your side.
By doing so, you can achieve a stunning exterior paint job that endures through the seasons, rain or shine.
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