Although flicking through paint brochures to find the perfect colour for a home exterior is important, there is another essential consideration: the time of year. Even though the UK’s weather can be a game of chance, our professional decorators at Scott Anson Painters and Decorators Ltd. would suggest spring as the ideal season to carry out external painting, weather permitting.
Watch the Weather Forecast
A rainy day is disastrous for a paint job. If a downpour doesn’t completely wash away the paint, it could leave it streaky. Dry days tend to offer the best results when painting exterior spaces.
The following conditions should be considered when painting exteriors:
- Humidity: High levels of humidity can prevent paint from curing, so a barometer should be checked for low humidity readings.
- Temperature: 25°C is considered to be the perfect temperature for painting. However, the ideal range is from 10°C to 35°C.
- Time of day: Painting in the shade prevents the paint from drying too quickly, allowing it to be absorbed into the surface properly.
Choose the Right Type of Paint
For painting exterior masonry, the paint should be hard-wearing and resilient. It’s usually best to choose between a traditional limewash paint, a silicate paint or an acrylic based paint.
Choose the Right Colour
Exterior paint jobs are often more time consuming and costly, so it’s important to get the colour right. According to Homes & Gardens the top 2025 exterior paint trends are:
- Earthy and natural tones such as coastal blues, sea greens and rich, warm browns.
- Playful pastels that offer a sense of optimism. Fun yellows or light blues can make the exterior of a home feel inviting and fresh.
- Bold front doors can offer a strong first impression. A vibrant colour can add character to a property and be a way to quickly update its look.
Prepare Surfaces
Starting with a clean, dry surface can make a big difference to the quality of the finish and its longevity. A hard-bristled brush or a pressure washer can be used for removing moss, dust and dirt. Exterior-grade filler can be used to plug any holes or cracks.
Safety Precautions
Safety goggles, gloves, a dust mask and overalls help to protect the skin and eyes from chemicals, paint splashes and loose debris.