Myth Busting, Painting in the Heat!

June 11, 2025

Painting in the desert can present challenges, particularly in the summer months.

A common myth is that it’s too hot to paint once we reach triple digits during the summer, making it difficult to paint the exterior of your home. While the heat presents a challenge, the painting industry has stepped up to that challenge and provided a way forward. We contacted Rosie Certified Partner Russ Byers, President of ACP Painting LLC, to help us provide you with the information you need to know about summer painting in the heat.

Russ shared some of the product types and painting practices necessary for a successful paint project.

Preparation work remains the same regardless of the temperature. Power wash the exterior and allow the surface to dry completely before painting.
Caulking and patching are preceded by cleaning the cracks and digs that need repair before painting. Caulking, like paint, needs to be applied to a surface that is not over 150 degrees. (Remember, the surface temperature can be a lot hotter than the air temperature).
The paint is designed to be applied to surfaces not exceeding a 150-degree threshold. To accommodate that, Russ likes to start between 5 and 6 AM. The crew starts on the eastern exposure surface first and moves around the house ahead of the sun, proceeding from southeast to south, west, and then north.
The paint Russ’s crews use the most is Sherwin Williams’s product, Duration. The resins used in this paint make it more durable, affording you a better paint job and a better warranty.
Another consideration is the crew’s safety. Starting early also means finishing early, typically by 1 PM, to avoid the hottest part of the day. Educating crews to be conscious of the early signs of heat exhaustion in themselves and each other is a critical part of their training. A lot of ice water and electrolyte replacement drinks need to be on hand.

We asked about the consequences of using the wrong product or application method. If the paint isn’t properly formulated, it may not adhere correctly leading to peeling, cracking, and premature chalking. Ultimately, a failed paint job could cost you much more in the long run.

Painting in Monsoon Season

The summer months not only bring heat, but they also bring our rains, which we call the monsoons. Obviously, you cannot paint in the rain, so exterior painting during the monsoon season, generally from late June through late September, presents another challenge. It can be done if your paint crew takes specific steps into account.

Start early in the day to avoid heat and afternoon rains. Paint typically dries in about 20 to 30 minutes after application, so timing is important.
Keep a constant watch on weather patterns as they develop. The National Weather Service is an excellent source of information, as it has radar tracking with only a minute’s delay, not hours.
Be flexible. If your painter says the job should take four days but suggests you plan for a few days more, that is due to the weather unknowns. Crews may have to take a day off or quit earlier in the day to accommodate developing weather patterns.

As you may know, the weather can be fickle in Arizona.

How to Choose a Qualified Paint Company | Ask Lots of Questions!

What are their steps for paint prep?

Do they prepare the surfaces to be painted includes power washing off accumulated dust and dirt. Preparation allows the new paint to adhere better to the existing surface. Russ tells us power washing usually needs to happen a day or two before painting begins to allow the surface to dry.
Do they provide all the necessary caulking and patching.
Do they cover and protect all surfaces that are not to be painted.

How do they keep their crew safe?

Painting a house, particularly multistory homes, means workers will be on ladders and possibly even on the roof to perform the work. Whether or not safety protocols are required, by using them, a painting company is performing best practices. Here are some safety protocols that every painter should have.

Fall Protection. Often, a painter will need to be on a roof to complete a project. Fall protection consists of a harness worn by the painter and attached via a cord to an anchor on the roof or some concealed location.
Ladder safety practices.
Heat safety guidelines.

Questions to ask your potential painter

Are they a licensed, bonded and insured at the Arizona Registrar of Contractors?
How long has the painter worked in Arizona, and where have they worked? This question is designed to see if they have experience in the heat.
What products do they use| and can they withstand the desert heat? Be sure the products they will use are listed in your contract.
Warranty Details |How long is it, and what caveats are included? ACP Painting offers a 10-year warranty.
Referrals | Be specific that you want to talk to clients whose jobs were completed a few years ago and whose homes were painted in the summer as well.

Knowing how a painter should work gives you, our Rosie follower, the information you need to get the work done right!

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CONTENT PARTNER | ACP Painting LLC

We are Rob and Russ Byers, brothers who are both U.S. Army veterans. We started ACP Painting LLC in 2005. Located in Maricopa, we provide professional painting services to residential and commercial clients in the Phoenix metro area. Our team shares an uncompromised work ethic that will exceed your expectations.

Our Mission and Core Values

ACP Painting, LLC. strives continually to give overall customer satisfaction and quality craftsmanship delivered with honesty and integrity.

PODCAST

Guests ACP Painting’s Russ Byers and Shell Abbott discusses tips and tricks to interior and exterior painting. Improvements in exterior paint allows for application in 100 plus degree summer heat. A big improvment in painters tape. And other tools for a good paint job from the pros or for the Do-It-Yourselfers,

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