The Best Time of the Year To Hire Exterior Painters: A Guide 

In the Midwest, the weather is always changing. That means hiring exterior painters when the conditions are favorable is extremely important.

If you’re planning to paint your exterior, you need to truly understand the seasons. The ideal window for hiring exterior painters opens when temperatures begin to rise steadily above 50°F — warm enough for water-based paints to cure correctly, yet cool enough to prevent the hasty drying that can mar the finish in the scorching summer heat.

Humidity is also a constant challenge in the Midwest. For exterior painting, the ideal humidity range is 40-70%. Staying within this range ensures the paint dries properly, resulting in a clean and smooth finish.

By scheduling the painting project on those clear, mild days, painters can do their work with confidence and be sure the paint will stick properly and last against the elements. Painting the exterior of your home is more than just maintenance — it’s an investment in your property that pays off in the long run and increases your property value. 

Understanding Paint and Weather

But what exactly is the link between the timing and success of exterior paint application? 

According to research by Coatings Tech, the interplay between the changing seasons and weather conditions has a significant impact on the art of painting home exteriors.

Here’s what to keep in mind when hiring exterior painters:

• Temperature and paint curing: Turning freshly applied paint into a durable, long-lasting finish relies on the curing process, which is very sensitive to temperature. Water-based paints require a warm environment, with temperatures consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and protection from freezing for several days after application. 
• Paint type and weather considerations: Different types of paint have different temperature tolerances. Water-based paints are sensitive to temperature changes and require close attention to weather forecasts to avoid damage from rain. Oil-based paints are more tolerant in varying climates, but painters still need to plan ahead to avoid unexpected showers.

• Humidity and paint drying: As mentioned earlier, to avoid painting issues like cracking or peeling, you need to keep the relative humidity between 40-70% during and after the paint application. 
• Pre-painting preparation: This involves covering and clearing the surrounding areas, scrubbing the surfaces clean, and laying down a prime coat. Harsh weather conditions can affect this preliminary step. 
• Painting techniques and timing: Techniques such as avoiding direct sunlight to prevent quick drying and heat blisters, using the right brushes, and maintaining a wet edge to avoid striping are all timing-related. Moreover, strategies such as “wet edge”, which works by overlapping new brush strokes with previous ones to maintain seamless edges, also require favorable conditions. 
• Impact of wind and sun: Ideally, painters should work in calm weather and start in shaded areas to better control the speed of paint drying and achieve a smooth finish. Experienced painters plan their work according to the position of the sun, avoiding windy days that can carry debris and cause the paint to dry too quickly.

In this guide, we’ll look closely at how the different seasons in Kansas affect outdoor painting. We’ll cover the weather patterns and how they directly impact painting, plus practical tips for planning your painting projects. Understanding the unique climate of each season will help you schedule your painting at the best time and with the best local professionals.  

An Analysis of Painting Conditions Across Different Seasons

Each season has unique challenges and opportunities to offer for any exterior painting project. From the bitter cold of winter to the intense heat of summer, understanding these seasonal dynamics is important for choosing the best painting conditions.

With spring and fall often considered the best seasons for painting, seasonal variations are essential to planning tasks such as exterior painting. And the best exterior painters in Wichita know this very well. 

The weather in Kansas varies a lot throughout the year. Winters are usually cold, with temperatures often dropping to chilly levels. Spring brings a gradual warming trend, making the weather milder and more comfortable. Summers are known for their strong heat. And when autumn arrives, the hot weather gives way to a milder climate, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities before the cold of winter sets in again.

A Climate Data report outlines the key weather statistics for Wichita, Kansa, throughout the year. The table presents the primary temperature and precipitation figures for the area.

But what do these weather patterns mean for exterior painting services? Let’s examine each season and consider the different painting conditions exterior painters may encounter.

Winter (December, January, February)

• Temperature: Winter months often fall below the ideal painting threshold with average temperatures in January at 33.7°F.
• Humidity: The humidity levels are relatively moderate but combined with low temperatures, conditions are unsuitable for painting.

Spring (March, April, May)

• Temperature: As spring arrives, temperatures gradually start to rise. By April and May, the average temperatures typically exceed 50°F, making these months well-suited for painting projects.
• Humidity: Humidity in spring hovers around the ideal range, particularly in April and May, facilitating proper drying and curing of paint.

Summer (June, July, August)

• Temperature: Summer months experience the highest temperatures, well above 50°F, which is not always suitable for painting.
• Humidity: While the temperatures are favorable, the humidity can sometimes exceed the 60-70% upper limit, particularly in June.

Autumn (September, October, November)

• Temperature: Early autumn, specifically September and October, typically maintains temperatures above 50°F.
• Humidity: Humidity levels in early autumn are ideal for painting, staying within the 40-70% range.

Given the climate in Wichita, KS, and considering the temperature and humidity expected thresholds, the best seasons and months for exterior painting services are:

• Late spring: April and May are ideal as temperatures are comfortably above 50°F and humidity levels are conducive for paint to dry and cure effectively.
• Early autumn: September and October are also optimal, with favorable temperatures and humidity levels that support excellent painting conditions.

When choosing the best time to paint, you’ll also want to consider the amount of rain and sunshine. 

While the temperature and humidity might be suitable, it’s important to pick months with lower chances of rain. For example, May is the wettest month, so it may not be the best choice due to potential rain disruptions.

On the other side, even though more sunshine from June to August can help the paint dry faster, excessive heat can cause the paint to dry too quickly, leading to imperfections. So you’ll need to find the right balance between rain, sunshine, and temperature to get the best painting results.

Looking to repaint your home or business? Contact us today to work with skilled exterior painters in Wichita who understand the perfect timing for your project based on local weather conditions.

Preparing Your Home for Exterior Painting 

Preparing your home for exterior painting involves meticulous planning and attention to detail to ensure a high-quality finish and lasting results. 

Experienced exterior painters know that a successful paint job requires thorough preparation, long before painting begins. Kansas’ ever-changing weather, from the scorching heat of summer to the freezing cold of winter, requires careful planning to achieve professional exterior painting results that are not only visually appealing but also highly functional.

Here are the key steps that skilled exterior painters must follow to ensure your home is perfectly prepped:

• Surface cleaning: Start with a thorough cleaning of all exterior surfaces. Given Wichita’s varying weather, surfaces may accumulate more dirt and debris. Use pressure washers and specialized cleaning agents, especially after the dusty, windy seasons, to ensure a clean base for painting. 
• Repairs and caulking: Address any surface damage such as cracks or wood rot, which can be exacerbated by Wichita’s fluctuating temperatures from freezing winters to hot summers. Seal gaps with high-quality caulk to prevent moisture intrusion during the rainy seasons and ensure a smooth substrate.
• Sanding: Essential for Wichita homes, sanding removes remnants of old paint and helps new paint adhere better, especially in the summer heat and winter cold that can cause surfaces to expand and contract.
• Primer: Apply a strong primer suitable for the local climate. In Wichita, a flexible, high-adhesion primer will help paints withstand seasonal changes without cracking or peeling.
• Check environmental conditions: Aim for a stretch of days with mild temperatures and low humidity, typically found in late spring or early autumn in Wichita. Avoid painting in extreme heat or cold, which Kansas often experiences.
• Protect adjacent areas: Use drop cloths and painter’s tape to safeguard windows, doors, and trim from paint splashes. Given the potential for sudden wind gusts in Wichita, secure protective sheeting firmly to avoid disruptions during the painting process.
• Application techniques: Choose the application method that best suits your project and the current Wichita weather. For instance, avoid spraying on windy days which are common in the area, and opt for brushes or rollers instead.

By following these steps, experienced exterior painters make sure that every part of the preparation process matches the unique painting conditions found in Wichita, offering high satisfaction to customers.  

In addition, exterior painting services are becoming increasingly important in providing protective solutions to safeguard your home against fluctuating conditions and extreme weather patterns caused by climate change. 

Why Koehn Is One of the Best Exterior Painters in Wichita, KS

Experienced exterior painters like Koehn stand out in Wichita for their meticulous approach to every painting project, understanding the unique challenges presented by the local climate. They emphasize thorough preparation and adapting to dynamic weather conditions, ensuring each job is performed with precision and attention to detail.

What sets them apart is their commitment to using high-quality materials that can withstand the extremes of Kansas weather, from the freezing cold to the blistering summer heat. Koehn’s team is skilled in applying the latest techniques and is knowledgeable in modern paint technology, including advanced weather-resistant and eco-friendly options. 

This blend of traditional skill and modern innovation makes Koehn a preferred choice for those looking to protect and beautify their homes, ensuring concrete and remarkable results.

Explore what Koehn Painting can offer – contact us today for a free estimate and see the difference professional painting can make in your home!