Late spring through early fall is the outdoor painting season in New York. Interior painting goes on all year.
What is the best time of year to paint the outside of a building in New York?
The best months are roughly May through October. Days are warm, nights stay well above freezing and surfaces dry between showers.
Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable, with mild temperatures and lower humidity. April and November can work on a good week. From December to March, freezing nights rule out most exterior paint.
Can you paint outside when it is raining or about to rain?
No. Paint needs a dry surface and several dry hours afterward. We do not paint in rain or when rain is close.
Summer thunderstorms build quickly here in the afternoon, so on unsettled days outdoor work starts early and stops early.
It rained a few hours after painting: is it ruined?
Often it is fine. If it rained a few hours after the paint went on, latex has usually skinned over enough to survive a light shower.
Heavy rain on wet paint can wash it thin, leave streaks or spot the surface. Let it dry and look closely. Damaged areas are sanded and recoated. They are not a reason to redo everything.
How long after rain before brick, wood or siding can be painted?
Wait at least a full dry day after rain for wood and metal, and longer for masonry. Brick, stucco and brownstone soak up water and release it slowly.
Paint put on damp masonry can blister or leave white salt deposits. After pressure washing the wait is the same or longer. A moisture meter takes out the guesswork.
How cold is too cold to paint outside?
Below about 50 degrees is too cold for many exterior paints, and some acrylics are made to be used down to 35. The limit printed on the can is the rule.
The surface and the night matter, not only the afternoon air. A shaded north-facing wall stays colder than the forecast, and paint that has not set before a freezing night will fail.
How hot is too hot, and is direct sun a problem?
Above about 90 degrees is too hot, and direct sun on the surface is a problem even on milder days. Paint that dries too fast does not bond or level, and it can blister.
Dark doors and metal railings in full sun get far hotter than the air. In July and August we follow the shade around the building.
Does summer humidity in New York affect paint?
Yes. Humid air slows drying, and New York summers are humid. On muggy days paint stays tacky longer and picks up dirt.
Evening dew is the other risk. Paint applied late on a humid day may still be wet when dew forms, which can dull or streak the finish. Outdoor work should stop with time to spare.
Does winter salt damage exterior paint?
Yes. De-icing salt and slush are hard on anything painted near the sidewalk: door bottoms, areaway gates, railings and storefront bases.
Salt speeds up rust on iron and draws moisture into masonry. Rinsing those areas in spring and touching up chips before the next winter makes the paint last longer.
Can you paint inside in winter with the windows closed?
Yes. Interior painting works well in winter. Modern water-based paints are low in odor and dry quickly in a heated apartment.
Steam heat makes many New York apartments warm and dry in winter, which speeds drying. A window opened a crack and a fan are usually enough. Stronger primers for stains or old oil paint need more ventilation, and we plan for that.
To plan an exterior job for the coming season, call or text (917) 970-7431.