Can You Paint Interiors During Cold & Damp Weather?

Close all of the doors and windows in the building to keep out the cold and dampness as much as possible. If the room you're planning to paint has been damp for some time, inspect the walls carefully for mildew, which may look like dirt or small black specks. Clean mildew thoroughly by scrubbing affected areas with a solution of 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach for every 2 cups of water.

Reduce interior moisture by running an oscillating fan and a dehumidifier in the room for at least 24 hours before you begin painting.

Turn on the building’s furnace or use space heaters to warm the area being painted to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the cans of paint in the room as it's being heated; even if the room and walls are warm, problems arise if the paint itself is cold. If you find it difficult to maintain a consistent warm temperature, consider using a cold-weather paint specifically designed for use in temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

Inspect the walls carefully before you begin painting. Wipe off any lingering moisture using a dry cloth, then run the dehumidifier for an additional two to three hours. Once the walls are dry, you can paint safely.