Exterior Painting Tips for Humid Climates

It’s clear that humidity means longer drying times, so be patient.

Where the climate is humid, painting is not as smooth. The paint takes a while to dry, and the result doesn’t always match the intention. Still, all it takes is the right approach, and the finish can be flawless and last.

Here are some tips for a paint job that withstands the moisture of damp climates:

Timing

The most obvious step is to catch the right season. Even humid climates have drier months or periods when humidity is at its lowest. That’s when the paint job will stick best. Early fall or late spring is usually ideal in some areas. Others might do better in late winter.

Furthermore, watch the weather forecast. Wait for a clear stretch of days for the painting and drying time, too. Paint doesn’t like to dry in high humidity, so give it the best chance by choosing sunny, dry days.

Choose the paint

Not all paints will work equally well in humid climates, but the higher the quality, the better the chance. High-quality paints for exteriors have additives that combat mold and mildew, which are particularly common foes in humid climates. They may cost more but pay off by avoiding unnecessary headaches and touch-ups.

Latex-based paints tend to work best in humid climates. That’s because they’re breathable and let moisture escape from the walls. Therefore, they prevent blistering and peeling.

Surface prep

The surface must be ready for the paint. Before opening a paint can, clean the surface and let it dry completely. Even better, power washing perfectly removes grime, but it requires ample drying time afterward.

Paint can hide cracks, but cracks can also hide moisture. Take the time to repair cracks or holes and seal them well. Moisture loves to sneak in through these imperfections to ruin the paint job from underneath.

Application techniques

Thin coats are great for painting in humidity. They dry faster and are less likely to bubble or peel. Of course, this means there might be a need for an extra coat, but it’s worth it for the added durability.

Start as early as possible, first thing in the morning. Getting an early start gives the paint the longest possible drying time before the evening dew sets in.

Drying times and patience

It’s clear that humidity means longer drying times, so be patient. Don’t rush to apply a second coat since this can mean a sticky mess that never quite cures right. Furthermore, a dehumidifier could be incredibly helpful, especially if the painted area has a covered porch. It will make drying much faster.

Watch paint dry

Humid climates make painting trickier but not impossible. It just takes a little extra preparation. Contact a professional painter for more tips and to get better results than a DIY project could give.

Mark’s Painting offers residential and commercial painting for Tampa, Hillsborough, and Pinellas County. Exterior painting, including priming, sealing, plaster & drywall service, pressure washing. We paint interiors, including ceilings, walls, trim, baseboard, fireplaces, mantels, paneling, wainscoting, doors, and windows. We offer wallpaper removal, caulking, staining and varnishing, refinishing, texturing, specialty finishes, and more. We are licensed and insured. Call us at (813) 831-5433.