The Best Conditions To Paint Vinyl Siding To Make It Last Longer

When thinking about the different types of house siding to consider, vinyl siding often takes the top spot. There might come a time when you want to paint your vinyl, either to change the color or just to refresh its appearance after years of exposure to the elements and potential fading. Even the most advanced DIYers who know everything about painting vinyl siding may not be aware of the best weather conditions to paint the material for the color to last longer. 

You'll want to aim for a mild, dry, non-windy day to paint, since extreme temperatures, high humidity, and strong winds can negatively impact the paint's application, drying time, and overall finish. Since it can take up to 24 hours or more for exterior paint to fully dry, you'll want to check the weather and make sure that you have at least two picture-perfect days to ensure your paint job doesn't get ruined by sudden showers, excessive humidity, or extreme temperature shifts that could lead to blistering, peeling, or uneven drying.

Since you should be repainting the exterior of your home every 10 years or so, it's important to plan ahead to get the job done right. You can't control the weather, but you can control what weather you choose to paint in. To help your freshly painted vinyl siding last longer, make sure you're painting on an overcast day, where there's preferably no breeze. This will allow the paint to dry evenly, preventing streaks and ensuring better adhesion to the vinyl surface. Ideally, you'll want the temperature to be between 50 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit to help facilitate quick drying.

Humidity is also a factor in how long it'll take your vinyl siding paint job to dry. High humidity significantly slows down the drying time of exterior paint due to reduced evaporation and moisture interference. This extended time to dry can cause significant issues, like streaks, dirt and dust accumulation, overall poor adhesion, and peeling. It's best to choose a day with low humidity and no rain expected for at least 24 hours after painting (though up to a week is preferred) to give the paint ample time to fully cure and bond to the siding without being washed away or compromised by moisture.