Many people think air temperature is the only factor to consider when painting, but the surface temperature of the material is just as important. Surfaces like metal, wood, and vinyl can get much hotter than the surrounding air—especially in direct sunlight.
For instance, if the air temperature is 88°F, the surface of a wall or deck can easily exceed 120°F. Paint applied to these hot surfaces will dry too fast, which affects how it sticks and looks once it’s dry.
If a surface is too hot to comfortably touch, it’s probably too hot to paint. Waiting for shade or cooler times of day is often the best choice.
Paint manufacturers set limits for both air and surface temperatures. Exceeding those limits can cause problems like bubbling, cracking, or early paint failure. Surfaces that are painted too hot may also dry unevenly, which can lead to a blotchy or streaky finish.
Making sure the surface is within the correct temperature range is a key part of getting a high-quality, long-lasting paint job.