THE BEST TIME TO PAINT YOUR HOUSE EXTERIOR, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS

Google searches in the UK have increased by 17% in the past month for ‘exterior paint’, with an average of 123,000 monthly searches, indicating a growing interest in property maintenance as Brits look to refresh their home exterior.

Choosing the best time to paint your house exterior in the UK is crucial for a long-lasting, high-quality finish. With the UK’s unpredictable climate varying between regions, planning ensures your paint job withstands the elements. Alongside having the right tools and paint, timing is one of the most important factors in achieving a durable exterior.

Jack Reading from Emperor Paint, a leading supplier of super hydrophobic masonry paint, has shared the best time to paint the exterior of your home, as well as key tips for success: “Most people don’t realise how much timing matters when it comes to exterior painting. Get it wrong and you’re making the job harder than it needs to be. Paint in the right conditions and everything works with you. The paint goes on better, bonds properly and does its job for years without you having to think about it again.”

When is the best time to paint your house’s exterior?

“Spring is generally the best time for exterior painting projects across the UK. Temperatures usually range between 10°C and 20°C, and rainfall is typically lower, making it ideal for most paints. Longer days in spring also give you more daylight to complete your project.

“Summer can also be a good option, though regional differences should be considered. Summer usually offers more consistent temperatures and longer dry spells, making it an excellent time to paint. For older homes, with solid walls, it also means they will have had longer to dry out. However, occasional heatwaves in the UK can cause paint to dry too quickly, which is less than ideal. For the best results, aim for cooler days or paint during the morning or evening.”

What regional differences should be considered?

“The best time to paint in Northern regions, such as Liverpool, Manchester, Scotland and Northern Ireland, is late spring to early summer. In early spring, Northern regions are cooler and wetter. Always check the forecast carefully to avoid unexpected rain showers and be prepared to break the project into smaller sessions if needed.

“For the Southern regions, including London, Kent, Cornwall and the Channel Islands, the best time to paint covers most of spring and summer. The south typically experiences drier, warmer springs, allowing for an earlier start to painting projects. However, be cautious of heatwaves in mid-summer as extremely hot conditions can cause paint to dry too fast, leading to cracks.”

When is painting your home less practical or unsuitable?

“Early autumn can still work well for painting, with stable temperatures and often dry conditions. However, as autumn progresses, northern regions face increased rain and cooler nights, making painting less practical, but not impossible.

“As a general rule of thumb, winter is generally unsuitable for exterior painting in the UK due to cold temperatures and high rainfall. In southern regions, mild winter days might offer short painting windows, but in the north, it might be best to wait until spring. Preparing your exterior walls ahead of these seasons can help ensure a smoother project.”

What are your key tips for success?

“Avoid extreme temperatures: The ideal painting temperature ranges between 5°C and 25°C. Too cold, and the paint won’t dry properly; too hot, and it may dry too quickly, causing uneven finishes.
“Watch humidity levels: High humidity slows down drying times and can cause streaky, uneven finishes. Opt for dry, breezy conditions whenever possible.
“Consider regional differences: Southern UK typically enjoys longer, more consistent painting windows, while northern areas may need to plan projects around drier spells.
“Trust the process: It’s important to remember that exterior painting involves multiple steps: prepping, cleaning, priming, painting and drying. So to achieve a stunning, long-lasting finish that stands up to the UK’s changing climate, do not rush the process. To make the job more manageable, spread out these tasks across several weekends or when the weather is on your side.”