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How to... Exterior painting - working around the sun


New Zealand Summertime, when many people have more time to get those DIY jobs done. Painting, gardening, landscaping it all happens when the sun starts to warm the place up and we can’t wait to get outside to enjoy our backyards! Painting in the middle of the New Zealand Summer can be great, but there are some things to take into consideration when the sun’s out.

Watch the thermometer

Ideally you should tackle your exterior painting project when the temperature is between 10-40°C. Too hot and the surface will dry out too fast, causing the paint to bubble.

Generally speaking this makes Spring and Summer the best time to paint exteriors in New Zealand, especially further South where temperatures drop well below 10°C in Autumn and Winter. 

Bubbled paint caused by painting when it's too hot

When is the best time to paint exterior surfaces?

Get stuck in at sparrow’s fart, ideally around an hour after the sunrise. Check that any dew has dried out before you begin. You want to avoid any moisture. It can cause the paint to peel or blister.

You also want to make sure you’re not painting within two hours of sunset or rainfall. This is when temperature and/or moisture could wreak havoc with your finish.

Early morning dew

Follow the sun

Never paint in direct sunlight. So, in summer if you’re putting a coat or two on the exterior of your house, the best way is to start in the morning on the shady side. Then follow the sun around your home. Move on to the next shady part as the Earth makes its rotation around the sun.

painting in the sun

With a Summer of long weekends coming up, we hope you enjoy your DIY painting projects. Keep an eye on our social channels for more tips and tricks of the trade.