Late spring to early fall is the exterior painting season in Ann Arbor. Paint needs a dry surface, mild air and enough hours to dry before dew or frost. Southeast Michigan gives those conditions reliably from about May into October.
What is the best time of year to paint the outside of a house here?
The best months are usually late May through September, with early fall often the most comfortable. Days are warm, nights stay above the paint's minimum and the wood has dried out from winter.
April and October can work on good days, but the window each day is short. Mornings start cold and damp and the sun sets early. Winter is not an exterior season here.
Can you paint outside when it is raining or about to rain?
No. Paint will not stick to a wet wall, and rain on fresh paint washes it or leaves spots. We watch the forecast and stop early enough for the last coat to set. Ann Arbor gets about 38 inches of precipitation a year, spread across every month, and summer rain often comes as afternoon thunderstorms. So a job here is planned around the forecast day by day.
It rained a few hours after painting: is it ruined?
Usually not. If it rained a few hours after the paint went on, latex that had time to skin over is often fine. Look for runs, spots or a washed-out patch once the wall dries. Those areas are sanded lightly and recoated. A hard downpour within the first hour is the real risk.
How long after rain before siding can be painted?
After rain, wait at least a full dry day for wood siding, and longer after a long soak. Wood holds water below the surface even when it feels dry. Vinyl, aluminum and brick surfaces dry faster, though brick itself holds moisture. The same wait applies after power washing.
How cold is too cold to paint outside?
It is too cold when the air or the wall is below the minimum on the paint can. Many exterior latex paints call for 50 degrees, and some are made to go on at 35. The temperature has to stay above that for hours after painting, not only at noon.
In fall here the wall on the shaded north side can be much colder than the air, and dew forms early in the evening. That is why the working day is short in October.
How hot is too hot, and is direct sun a problem?
Yes, direct sun is a problem. Paint on a hot wall dries before it can level and grip, which leaves lap marks and can cause blisters. Most labels warn against painting above about 90 degrees or on a surface that is hot to the touch.
Michigan summers are humid, with hot afternoons in July and August. The answer is to follow the shade around the house: east side later in the day, west side in the morning.
Does humidity matter?
Yes. In heavy humid air, paint dries slowly and stays soft longer. On muggy summer days we allow more time between coats and stop before the evening dew.
Can you paint inside in winter with the windows closed?
Yes. Interior painting goes on all winter with the windows closed. Today's low-odor latex paints need little ventilation, and a furnace keeps the air dry, so paint dries well. A fan and a door left open are enough in most rooms.
Winter is a good time for interiors and cabinets in Ann Arbor, since exterior work has stopped.
When should I book exterior work?
Ask for your estimate in late winter or early spring if you want the work done in early summer. The good-weather months are limited in Michigan and exterior schedules fill. A free estimate with a written quote is the only way to get a real price for your job. Call or text (734) 399-4198.