One question that always comes up with house painting Brighton homeowners are asking is which season is the best for house painting. Summer appears the obvious contender, what with its long sun-drenched evenings, but many professionals say autumn could be the goldilocks time. We can analyse the organic vs paid to help you know if this is the moment for your project.
Due to Melbourne’s weather, timing is crucial to achieving a pleasant result. Well, believe it or not, but it does matter and it will not only provide a visual effect upon the paint but also an impact on how long it will actually last. In the long run, a correctly timed paint job can help you save time and money.
When it comes to planning a house painting project, the season you decide can make all the difference whether you are refreshing your exteriors or upgrading your interiors.
Why Autumn Might Be Ideal
- Mild Weather Conditions
Drier air means that autumn in Melbourne offers up cooler days with lower humidity, with paint drying more uniformly. The unstable conditions of summer—when heat can set paint too quickly and cause it to crack—are left behind, and autumn affords a steadier hand.
Plus, you can escape the intense rainstorms typical of spring, which equals minimal disruption when the work kicks off.
- Better Paint Finish
It has a nice temperature of 15°C to 25°C, so most of the time you will achieve a clean surface that looks polished. Paint connects better and for a longer time when applied in moderate conditions.
These prevent frequent problems, such as registration mark, streak or peeling, all of which are also likely to happen if the weather conditions are not right.
- Easier to Book Tradespeople
For many painters Brighton locals look to, autumn is a quieter time. That means there are more qualified candidates that are available. You can sometimes get better pricing and timelines as well since demand is not at a peak.
The Negative Side Effects of Autumn Painting
- Shorter Daylight Hours
With fall now even in the rearview mirror, hours of sunlight take off to bloodless September, and amusing, trick-or-treating September, and apple-picking September. While that may sound ideal, it can also restrict how much work painters may be able to accomplish in a single day, particularly with outdoor jobs.
A job can take longer than one would expect especially if the property is large or if more than one coat is required.
- Unexpected Cold Snaps
A word of caution — Melbourne weather can be quite fickle. Chilly weather (and especially late in the season) can push your painting schedule back, or change how well paint cures.
It is important to pick a temperature-appropriate type of paint since some formulas are made to better withstand cooler temperatures.
- Leaf Debris and Wind
Fall weather may prove unkind to painting outdoors with strong winds blowing down leaves. Dust and debris can adhere to wet surfaces, and lead to imperfections.
This can be minimised by planning the work on days when adverse atmospheric conditions are less likely and to use protective covers where possible.
Debris blowing onto painted walls also requires gutters to be periodically cleared. Especially while using sprayers for a large surface, wind can lead the paint to spray unevenly. So, be logical and do not paint near trees when leaves are falling to avoid painting mess.
Should You Paint in Fall Then?
Your answer depends on when you are there, which painter is yours, and how flexible you are. Autumn presents a sweet spot of good temp but low humidity, as long as you plan and watch the weather.
Experienced painters often recommend autumn as a great time to paint, particularly when it comes to exterior painting. You just need to pick the right time frame and get ready for some seasonal bumps.
Final Word
Autumn is just right for many Melbournians: not too hot, not too cold and less got at other times of year. If you have a plan and a supportive team, your nasty house can look brand new and perfect before you know it.
So, when you consider repainting your home in Elwood or have painters Brighton residents know and trust to do the job, remember the paybacks of a fall paint job.