We’re well on the way toward the winter months right now, which common sense might tell you isn’t the best time to think about painting your home. After all, anything that involves time and effort outdoors when the weather’s pretty brutal doesn’t come across as an appealing prospect. The thing is though, while it’s true to say that a freak downpour or snowstorm could certainly hamper your home painting efforts, this doesn’t mean you should write-off the winter altogether. In fact, with careful planning and a proactive approach to it all, you might find this the perfect time to get the job done.

Why exactly?

A few reasons, including the following:

You’ll Take Your Time

First up, there’s the fact that given the much shorter days in the winter, you might find yourself being more realistic about how much time you need to get it done. In the summer, it’s natural to try and cram as much work as possible into a single day or a weekend, rushing to get things done to give yourself more chance to enjoy the weather. Of course this doesn’t apply to everyone, but taking your time on the job during the winter could ensure a better overall result.

Less Humidity

If you time things perfectly, a crisp, clean and clear winter’s day can make for truly perfect painting conditions. Just as long as it’s not too cold, the only thing you need to worry about is humidity. Rain and snow may pose a risk in the winter, but humidity poses an even bigger threat throughout the rest of the year. So once again, it’s about careful planning and a proactive approach when making sure you choose a day when humidity (and the chance of rain) is at a minimum.

Cheaper Products

Up and down the country, retailers know that the winter tends to be the time when very few people are thinking of painting their houses. As such, it also tends to be the time when they offer many deals and discounts on the kind of merchandise that’s just sitting there on the shelves. Check out High Street and web retailers like and you might just find yourself gaining access to an array of specials that wouldn’t be on the cards in the spring or summer.

Cheaper Pro Packages

And of course, the same also goes for professional painting companies, which for obvious reasons might not be quite as busy during the winter months. Lower demand and greater availability will usually add up to a better overall deal for you on a home painting package in the wintertime. It’s not guaranteed and will depend on what it is you need and when, but it’s a possibility that’s certainly worth looking into.

So that’s just a few of the reasons covered why winter painting can be a good idea, but what about advice for those looking to do exactly that?

1. Curing Times. First of all, for reasons that are fairly obvious it is important to be mindful and realistic when it comes to curing times. The colder it is outdoors, the longer it is going to take for each coat of paint to dry properly. In most instances when it comes to winter painting, you’ll need to allow much more overall time to get the job done than if you were painting in the summer.
2. Paint Quality. Also for reasons that are fairly obvious, you shouldn’t be looking at using water-based paints in temperatures that are hovering anywhere near freezing. But along with the actual type of paint you choose, it’s just as important to select paint of a high quality. This will have a marked impact on how the paint performs in cold temperatures, how quickly it cures and how good the overall finish is. If unsure, ask your local stockist what the very best choice is for winter home painting.
3. Storage. If you are not planning to use the paint on the day of purchase, be mindful when it comes to where and how you intend to store it. The reason being that if you allow the paint to become too cold prior to use, you run the risk of its consistency and quality being adversely affected. It needs to be kept in a cool, dry place that’s out of harm’s way, but beware storing it anywhere that may be a little too cold – i.e. outdoor storage areas.
4. Surface Temperature. Just because the ambient temperature outside is pleasant enough doesn’t mean that the surface to be painted isn’t still far too cold to allow for smooth and seamless application of paint. Generally speaking, experts advise staying away from painting in any instance where the surface itself is too cold, so be sure you know what you’re working with before you get started.
5. Ask the Experts. Last but not least, even if you’re hell-bent on getting the job done yourself and refuse to let the cold weather stop you, it’s still in your best interests to speak to the professionals before getting started. The reason being that there’s every chance a team of pro painters could get the job done faster, better and for a lower price than going about it manually.

It only takes a phone call to find out and you might be pleasantly surprised!