Does the Temperature Affect the Color of Paint When It Hardens?

Sunlight

• If you're painting a room with a great deal of natural lighting, it will likely be warmer than a room that doesn't get a lot of natural lighting. Rather than the increased temperature, however, the lighting will have more of an affect on the color. For example, the part of the room directly in the sunlight will look appear a different color from that of the parts of the room not directly in the sunlight.

Humidity

• Humidity also plays a prominent role in the result of a paint project. For example, if the humidity is too high, it can result in "blistering"—the lifting of the paint film from the underlying surface—which makes the job look sloppy and uneven. Avoid painting on days when humidity is at or above 70 percent to avoid such problems.

Painting Outdoors

• Aim to paint outdoor items when temperatures are at least 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Such temperatures are especially important because the first 48 hours are the most crucial in the drying cycle, and cold temperatures make paint more susceptible to sagging in the drying process. Hot temperatures also have an effect on paint drying. Higher temperatures, such as 85 degrees Fahrenheit, cause paint buildup on the brush, resulting in dragging and preventing proper leveling, which could in turn result in an uneven finish.

Tips

• In some cases, you may have no choice but to paint in unfavorable conditions, which could lead to color deformations. However, you can keep several tips in mind to ensure the best possible finish. For one, check the paint label; paints come in all different varieties and are designed to perform in different conditions. For example, when painting in colder temperatures, apply paint layers lightly to make them less likely to sag on the application. For painting in hot temperatures of 85 degrees Fahrenheit or more, the best remedy to ensure a successful paint job is to wait until temperatures subside. If the paint dries too quickly, it can create an uneven look.