skip to main content

Can I paint exterior trim in cold weather?

17 years ago

We just had some new exterior trim added to our house when we had a lot of windows put in. It's unprimed pine. We are in MD and the weather is supposed to be in the mid-50s for the next ten days during the day but will drop to 32-40 at night.

I know that exterior painting used to have to be done at 50 F. or higher. Have any magical paints been invented recently that will dry and cure at lower temps?

It's also been drizzly and damp and the wood is not exactly bone dry. Will latex primer adhere ok or must the wood be good and dry first?

And last---is there any harm in letting it go until spring? It's caulked, just not primed.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

Michael
17 years ago
Wow. What a challenge. That is why we always prep and paint any exterior trim before we deliver it to our window jobsites.

The wood must be dry before painting. No exceptions. If not, the moisture will push the paint film off before spring arrives. Please don't attempt to paint damp lumber.

Yes, there are 35 degree paints but, even those have limitations. Super Paint by SW and Duration are two that qualify. Read the label and abide by it or the paint will fail. Tip: Duration is self priming. If you can get one coat on now, and one in the spring, that may be sufficient to prevent problems over the winter.

If left uncovered, and it gets wet, the pine will probably expand with the moisture, and split open during the winter months. It may also warp badly enough that it will need replaced in spring.

Michael
0
spanky_md
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks, Michael. The trim had to be custom cut on site because it was going over an old sill that was level on top (not slanted). Unusual application. We could have had it wrapped but decided not to as we couldn't get vinyl or aluminum to match the trim color of the house.

Today we had torrents of rain so now it's really wet. I'll wait for it to dry thoroughly and then get one coat of one of those paints you mentioned on it. It's all ground level work, at least!

Thanks again.
0
Related Discussions
touch up paint and cold weather
Q
Comments (2)
Applying heat is a good idea, except in the cold weather, a heating pad or a hair dryer does not have enough power to warm the metal enough. A heatng pad will not work for the simple reason that it has to be removed to apply the paint and then it can't be re-applied over the fresh paint. The metal will cool rapidly and will need a source of heat until the paint solvent has evaporated. If you are close enough to an electrical socket, a powerful radiant heater might work. Adjust the distance of the heater from the spot of interest to maintain a temperture above 60 F, but not too hot to cook the finish. Caution: Most electric heaters for use in the home are not rated for outdoor use (shock hazard). Use only heaters that have adequate grounding and insulation, and protect from splash.
...See More
Exterior Paint Color with Landmark CertainTeed Weathered Wood
Q
Comments (3)
i am painting the brick. And the trim. I wanted brown stained trim or painted but now I do not know what color to paint the brick. I had picked out Sher-Williams paint color shoji. Will that still work with the green tint roof? Brown trim? Thanks
...See More
What color should I paint the exterior trim and door?
Q
Comments (10)
The first thought that came to mind when you said "more contemporary" was black or deep green. Here are some inspirational photos. You didn't ask, but I would also remove the old schrubs and put in new landscaping. It would really move the home's look to the next level. Paint or replaced the front porch handrails your trim color and if you could replace them, select straight line ironwork. Add a new stainless mailbox and house numbers and change out your lighting. All these details will help you achieve the look you are aiming for. However, you can't totally change an "English bungalow" to a modern building without more structural changes, which I wouldn't do at this stage.
...See More
can you paint exterior pvc trim on windows?
Q
Comments (0)
I really want to paint ours black but our painter is saying he can’t. Is there a special exterior pvc paint or prep he may not know about?
...See More
spanky_md
Original Author
17 years ago
Update--the carpenter couldn't put the final trim on until the end of January due to Home Depot ordering the wrong size back door twice!

Fortunately, the unpainted pine held up really well all winter. No splits, no warping. I just put the first coat of primer on and will caulk tomorrow. Woohoo!
0

Related Stories

NURSERY IDEAS Room of the Day: An Ombré Nursery Inspired by a Cold-Weather ‘Babymoon’

By Erin Carlyle

A designer with a background in art paints a scene that her baby boy can grow up with

HOUSEKEEPING Lower Your Heating Bills With Some Simple Weather Stripping

By Buckminster Green LLC

Plug the holes in your house this winter to make sure cold air stays where it belongs: outside

FEEL-GOOD HOME Embrace a Few Beautifully Weathered Surfaces for a Happy, Durable Home

By Janell Beals - House of Fifty

You don’t need to worry so much about scuff marks and dings when you accept the character and beauty of wear

EXTERIORS Help! What Color Should I Paint My House Exterior?

By Jennifer Ott Design

Real homeowners get real help in choosing paint palettes. Bonus: 3 tips for everyone on picking exterior colors

ENTRYWAYS Help! What Color Should I Paint My Front Door?

By Jennifer Ott Design

We come to the rescue of three Houzzers, offering color palette options for the front door, trim and siding

WINTER GARDENING Extend Your Growing Season With a Cold Frame in the Garden

By Paintbox Garden

If the sun's shining, it might be time to sow seeds under glass to transplant or harvest

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Tell a Construction Crew to Pipe Down?

If workers around your home are doing things that bother you, there’s a diplomatic way to approach them

LIFE Houzz Call: How Are You Handling the Record-Breaking Cold?

By Mary Jo Bowling

Share your tales, strategies and photos for everything polar vortex

DECORATING GUIDES See How Wabi-Sabi Can Bring Harmony and Beauty to Your Home

By Robyn Lawrence

Create your own wabi-style style with beautifully weathered, humble materials around the house

ARCHITECTURE 15 Smart Design Choices for Cold Climates

By Laura Gaskill

Keep your home safe and comfortable in winter by choosing the right home features and systems

Sponsored

More Discussions

Exterior Home Update After Fire

3

Kitchen Wall Paint and Kitchen Island Paint

26

Master bedroom help

7

How would you paint this room?

6

Stucco repair suggestions

1