Can I Paint If the Temperature Gets Too Low?

Recommended Low Air Temperatures

• Check your paint can for the lowest recommended temperature for applying that specific paint. For most conventional latex paints, the lowest recommended temperature for application is usually 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but you can apply some latex and oil-based paints if the temperature is as low as 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Recommended Paint Temperature

• The temperature of the air is one consideration, and the temperature of the paint itself is another. Both Columbia Paint and Sherwin-Williams recommend that you store latex and oil-based paints at above 40 degrees Fahrenheit in order to ensure the proper viscosity when applying. Paint stored at temperatures below 40 degrees may develop a film upon drying and takes longer to dry and cure.

Recommended Surface Temperature

• You also need to consider the temperature of the surface you want to paint when painting at lower temperatures, because the temperature of the surface can affect drying time and appearance of the paint once it dries. For best application of oil-based paint, the temperature of the surface should be above 40 degrees Fahrenheit or the paint will be slow to dry and cure. Latex paints work best when the surface temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Moisture

• Another low-temperature-related paint problem is moisture, or dew formation, on surfaces. Your painting might not turn out well when the air temperature drops drastically, such as from warm daytime temperatures to lower evening temperatures, especially if temperatures drop below the dew point. Wet paint plus moisture often equal paint that does not dry or cure. In the worst cases, the paint won't adhere properly, and there might be mildew growth. To avoid these problems, Sherwin-Williams recommends painting only when the temperature is expected to remain in the suggested range, above the dew point, for at least 48 hours after your paint; you also can use a paint that is labeled for use in lower temperatures.