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The Best Time to Paint Your Home’s Exterior (And When to Just Grab a Hot Cocoa Instead)

Thinking about giving your home’s exterior a fresh coat of paint? Fantastic idea! But before you start picturing a Pinterest-worthy curb appeal, let’s talk about when to paint. If you live in Ham Lake, MN, you already know that Mother Nature enjoys throwing curveballs, one day it’s sunny and calm, the next, you’re questioning your life choices in the middle of a freak snowstorm. Picking the right season to paint is the difference between a smooth, long-lasting finish and a peeling, weather-worn disaster.

When NOT to Paint (Unless You Love Making Things Harder for Yourself)

Certain times of the year will fight your painting efforts every step of the way. Here’s when to avoid pulling out the paintbrush:

Winter: The “Freeze & Flake” Zone. Let’s not even pretend this is an option. Minnesota winters are no joke, and paint does not dry well when the air is colder than your freezer. Unless you want a paint job that cracks faster than thin ice, wait until the mercury rises.

Spring: The Sneaky Mood Swing Season. Spring sounds lovely, until you realize it comes with unexpected rain showers, wind gusts strong enough to carry your paint can away, and lingering chilly mornings. Not ideal for a smooth, even finish.

Peak Summer: The “Too Hot to Handle” Disaster. While we may not hit desert-level heat, Minnesota summers can get toasty. When temperatures soar past 85°F, your paint dries way too fast, leading to streaks, uneven color, and a finish that looks like it was done in a hurry (because it was).

The Prime Painting Seasons: Late Spring & Early Fall

If you want your paint job to last through Ham Lake’s unpredictable seasons, aim for these golden windows:

Late Spring: Once the wild temperature swings calm down and the risk of rain decreases, you’ll get warm, dry conditions that are perfect for painting.

Early Fall: This is the ideal time. The summer heat has died down, humidity levels are manageable, and you still have enough daylight to finish the job before winter threatens to roll in.

Why Weather Matters More Than You Think

Even if you have the best paint and expert brush skills, bad weather can sabotage your hard work. Here’s what happens if you don’t time it right:

  • Too Cold? Paint dries too slowly and doesn’t adhere properly, leading to early peeling.
  • Too Hot? The paint dries before you can properly spread it, resulting in visible brush strokes and uneven patches.
  • Too Humid? Moisture in the air can cause bubbling, streaking, and an overall sloppy look.
  • Too Windy? Unless you want dirt, leaves, and possibly a few bugs stuck in your fresh paint, wait for a calmer day.

Prepping for a Perfect Paint Job

Even with ideal weather, good prep work is the key to a flawless finish. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

  • Power wash your home’s exterior to remove dirt, debris, and peeling paint.
  • Scrape and sand rough spots to create a smooth surface.
  • Use a high-quality primer to help the paint stick and last longer.
  • Paint in the shade whenever possible to prevent quick drying and patchy coverage.

Let Schwartz & Sons Painting Do the Hard Work

Why gamble with Ham Lake’s unpredictable weather when Schwartz & Sons Painting can handle the job for you? Our experienced team knows exactly when and how to paint for a flawless, long-lasting finish. Call us today for a free exterior painting consultation, and let’s make your home the standout beauty on the block, without the stress and guesswork!