rain, weather, paint in the rain, exterior painting

Painting a home in the Pacific Northwest is no small task. With its damp climate and frequent rain, it’s essential to understand how weather impacts paint performance. For both homeowners and professionals, careful planning and timing are the secret ingredients to a paint job that stands the test of time.

Avoid Painting in Rainy Weather

Let’s get this out of the way—painting in the rain is a no-go. Wet surfaces and moisture in the air prevent paint from sticking properly, often leading to peeling or blistering down the road. While there are workarounds like expensive shelters or additives, they rarely deliver the same quality and can even void your paint’s warranty. For a durable, beautiful finish, it’s best to wait until Mother Nature cooperates.

Ideal Conditions for Drying Paint

Humidity, temperature, and airflow all affect how paint dries. On a perfect day, paint starts to set within a few hours, but this varies based on the type of paint and environmental factors. For areas like gutters or trim that tend to retain water, make sure they’re completely dry before you even think about painting. Warm days with a light breeze are your best bet for faster drying and a flawless result.

Understanding Dew Point in Painting

Here’s a pro tip: pay attention to the dew point. This is the temperature at which air becomes saturated, and dew forms. For exterior painting, the air temperature should be at least 5°F above the dew point. If fresh paint gets exposed to dew, it can ruin the finish and delay curing. Checking the dew point ahead of time helps you plan smarter and avoid surprises.

Preferred Temperatures for Painting

Sunny, mild days are ideal for exterior painting, but sometimes you must work with less-than-perfect weather. Paint can still dry at cooler temperatures if drying agents are added, allowing for application down to about 35°F. That said, the dew point remains more critical than the air temperature. Staying mindful of this ensures your paint adheres well and dries evenly.

Painting in the Off-Season

If you’re tackling an exterior paint project outside the summer months, timing is everything. Aim for the warmer midday hours—typically between 10 AM and 2 PM—when conditions are most favorable. This window allows paint to dry before cooler evening temperatures or dew have a chance to interfere. And if the weather turns suddenly? Stop painting immediately, cover wet surfaces, and salvage the project to protect your hard work.

Dealing with Painting Mishaps

No matter how well you plan, the Pacific Northwest weather can be unpredictable. If you run into issues like spills or slow drying, don’t panic. Proper cleanup tools and a steady hand will go a long way. And when in doubt, consult experienced painters who understand the unique challenges of this region. Their expertise can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.

Bottom Line: The Value of Patience in Painting Projects

The key to a successful paint job in the Pacific Northwest is patience. Waiting for the right weather ensures smoother application, better adhesion, and a finish that lasts. Rushing to paint in damp conditions often leads to bubbling, peeling, and uneven drying problems that no one wants to deal with.

By choosing the right time to paint, you’ll not only protect your investment but also achieve a result that enhances your home’s curb appeal for years to come. For more tips and professional advice, visit Sisu Painting and check out our Sisu Painting’s blog. We’re here to help you navigate the challenges and make your painting project a success!

8 Comments

  • Thank you for this article! May have saved my paint project – a wall inside a covered porch. I need a second coat on the wall but it’s raining now. No sense in risking it. So, I guess it’s house cleaning day!

  • Thank you for your stirring comments. This will help me get brushed up on my painting skills. Well, time to get rolling. Hope I don’t kick the bucket before I finish.

  • I live in Rochester, NY … it is The end of September and next week is supposed to be scattered rain, temperatures during the day is 60’s. My contractor is telling me that if he paints in scattered showers the house will be fine. I have read a lot and it states not to paint exterior in the rain. I know that my contractor is just trying to get his jobs done before the end of the season but not at my expense. What should I tell him?

    • I’d tell him , “No way.” Everything I’ve read says to wait 1-2 days before painting for the house to dry, and even then, the temp needs to be 5 degrees above the dew point, and time to dry before the next rain, as I’m in the same situation, in Seattle in September, with a hard rain having just happened. My daughter’s painter chose to paint without it drying well in April, and now her house is covered in water blisters that are nearly impossible to keep from reappearing.

  • Hey. Good share.! I think you’ve convinced me that it’s worth doing for home improments, even if I have been a gamer and big fan of being lazy! I don’t know why I am so lazy and tired after fired from salemen job in waltham ma and suffered for couple months of unemployment! I hate the painting itself before, never try to do as a painter for two years until now! I never figure out weather can affect exterior painting and other things in our house! But now your post really helps me to make my house look new and fancy! Thanks so much, keep posting! Barry!

  • I really appreciate your shoutout to hiring a reputable painter. Painting a house around inclement weather can be a tricky endeavor indeed. Somedays I feel more like a weatherman than a painter- got to be.
    Paul Braun
    website

  • Great content. I really like it. It simple yet informative. We’ll know that climate change and weather can affect our house painting just like washing before we start painting. It’s good to see blogs like this for some tips about hiring good house painters to make the work easy. So we need to know about all of the different tips and tricks for painting, it’s great that your blog could contain and support us with helpful ideas! Thanks for sharing!

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