In Chicago, there are two seasons for painting: interior and exterior. These seasons are not dictated by the crew’s tolerance for the cold, but rather by the products themselves. So, when is the best time to have the interior of your home painted, and when should you get the exterior painting done? Keep reading to learn when the best months for each are, and why it is that way.
Ideal Painting Seasons
Late October, until April, are the best months for your interior painting and wood restoration projects. As winter begins to show signs of leaving and each day is a little longer, it is time to begin thinking about exterior projects. March and April are the best months to begin the quoting and planning process for exterior projects, especially if you plan on using a professional painting company, such as LIME Painting of Chicago.
Paint and other coatings always come with manufacturer recommendations for application. Beyond the information on preparation and application, they also include temperature requirements. This is for a very important reason.
Paint and coatings need several days to fully cure. Not adhering to the temperature guidelines can affect the durability and longevity of the paint or coating, and may cause it to crack, become stained or get mildew. Therefore, painters must verify temperatures before applying any coating so that it lasts as long as it should. Iit is not just the air temperature that painters need to worry about, but also the temperatures of the substrates, or the surfaces the coatings will be applied to, themselves. At LIME Painting, we carry infrared thermometers to ensure we are meeting product requirements.
Exterior painting is restricted to when the nighttime temperatures are consistently in the 50’s, so the substrates can warm back up. That is why the best time to complete your interior painting projects is during the winter months, assuming the indoor air temperature is consistently at least 50 degrees.
The Importance of Proper Preparation
The demand for exterior painting during the warmer months is also higher when compared to interior. Mother Nature plays a role again as wind, sun, rain, and snow all deteriorate coatings over time. An exterior paint refresh is needed to keep your home looking beautiful every 5 to 15 years, depending on the quality of the products that were used, the weather, and most importantly, proper preparation prior to application. LIME Painting of Chicago has an extensive preparation process to ensure the work we complete lasts a long time.
Best Time To Get An Estimate
What this all means, is that if you have an interior project you are considering, the winter months from November until the middle of March is the time to get a quote and book your project. April through October are usually LIME Painting’s busiest months with exterior projects such as painting, staining, door restoration, deck refinishing and so on, and it may be difficult to get your projects booked if you wait too long.
If you are thinking about an exterior project this year, it is not too soon to get a quote and plan ahead. It is not uncommon for us to be booked months out with projects during the spring and summer season. Booking early ensures your project will be scheduled on the books, and that you will not have to wait weeks or months to get your project completed.
LIME Painting is Your Go-To For Painting Projects
If you have an interior or exterior painting project planned this year, LIME Painting of Chicago is prepared to help! From minor touch ups to complete color changes or faux painting finishes in one room or your entire home, our expert craftsmen will deliver results that leave a lasting impression.
Get in touch with us today to schedule your personal on-site consultation and free estimate.