Even the best professional exterior painting job will eventually have to be updated. You may notice scaling and peeling of the paint on your walls and trim. Or perhaps there is mold growth on the painted surface. These are signs that it may be time to contact a residential painting contractor for a consultation.

You may be wondering when is the best time of year to tackle this project. Here are some tips regarding exterior house painting.

When is Painting Season Over in Harrisburg PA?

Winters in the Harrisburg area can be cold and snowy with temperatures falling below freezing. Like most residential painting contractors, Prime 1 Painting will generally not recommend tackling exterior painting of your home when the outside air temperature falls much below 50°F.

While 50°F and above is optimal, there are paints that are formulated for cold weather application. However, these products are not generally as durable as other premium exterior coatings.

It is important to be aware of evening temperature dips as well. If it is at least 50°F during the day, in Harrisburg PA it is not unusual for nighttime temperatures to drop below 35°F. This matters because applied paint needs time to dry and cure to form an adequate seal. Cold nights can inhibit that process, resulting in a less-than-ideal finish.

Also, paint stored in cans becomes less stable when exposed to extreme temperature differentials. Freezing and thawing of paint will result in a change in the chemistry of the product. That translates into an uneven finished surface. As most people know, paints should be stored inside the home so as not to become compromised by temperature changes.

With all of that said, painting season in Harrisburg is generally over by the end of November and can begin again mid-spring. To ensure you get on your professional residential painting contractor’s schedule, it is recommended that you arrange for a consultation in early winter.

It also needs to be noted that with our changing climate and the trend toward warmer seasonal temperatures, exterior painting in excessive heat and humidity is not recommended. Most paints can be applied on hot summer days in the Northeast. Yet, the surface temperature of the wall shouldn’t be so hot that you can’t keep the palm of your hand on the wall for more than a few seconds. Also, it is best if the surface is dry for proper adhesion, especially when using an oil-based stain or paint.

Contact Prime 1 Painting for the Best Exterior Painting Services

Prime 1 Painting has been serving the community for over a decade. Our company is a fully licensed and insured painting contractor. Our skilled team is knowledgeable and experienced in the best products to recommend and methods of application. Proper surface prep is part of this expertise. Our work comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call us for a consultation and free estimate at (717) 610-0160. Our professional exterior painters in Harrisburg PA will be happy to assist you.