How Far Into Fall Can You Paint Midwest Commercial Exteriors?

While late Spring and Summer are the best seasons to paint, exteriors can be painted late into the fall, provided certain conditions exist. Here are some things to think about if you have a commercial or industrial exterior that needs painting in states like Iowa, Illinois, or Indiana. 

Watch the Temperature

Minimum temperature is vital in exterior painting. Exteriors can be painted as far down as 40 degrees ambient temperature. Some premium pants, however (Sherwin-Williams' Duration, comes to mind), can be applied in temperatures as low as 35 degrees. But, even then you're kind of pushing it. If you're a business owner, air on the side of caution and make sure the weekly weather forecast expects stable above-40 degree temperatures. Another reason to watch the forecast is because you don't want drastic drops and rises in temperature between daytime and nighttime. This is not good for proper paint adhesion to the substrate. 

Watch for Moisture

No matter what the season, you should always be mindful of moisture. It is the great enemy of paint adhesion. Rain, snow, humidity—it's all bad for exteriors. Best to wait until drier conditions exist. 

Final Thoughts

In the Midwest, painting through the winter is not realistic. Us painters have to pick our battles. If, however, fall-like temperatures extend into the early winter months, exteriors can be painted. The same holds true for early spring. But, by and large, the months from November to March are largely a dead zone for exteriors, although there have been historical exceptions. 

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