Painting in Summer vs Winter: Debunking the Seasonal Myth

At Brush Hour Painting, one of the most common things we hear is:

“Oh, you must stop painting outside over winter, right?”

❌ Not true!

There’s a widespread misconception that painting in winter is a no-go — that cooler temperatures or damp days make it impossible to get a good result. But thanks to modern paint technology (and smart planning), winter is still a perfectly workable season for painting — especially in Christchurch.

Here’s what you need to know…

❄️ Myth: You Can’t Paint in Cold or Winter Conditions

Many people assume that paint won’t dry, adhere properly, or give a good finish if it’s too cold outside. And yes, in the past, traditional paints struggled below 10°C.

✅ But not anymore.

💪 The Truth: You Can Paint in Winter — with the Right Paint

Today’s modern paints — like Dulux Weathershield +PLUS Winterlock® — are formulated specifically for cooler weather conditions. This means you can paint confidently in temperatures as low as 2°C, and in the shorter dry windows that winter brings.

Dulux Winterlock® features:

Winter-optimised technology for cold, damp days
A 30-minute rainproof formula, perfect for quick-drying before the next shower
High adhesion, great coverage, and long-lasting protection

👉 This means your paint job is just as durable and beautiful as one completed in summer — as long as the right products and techniques are used.

🌡️ Summer Isn’t Always Easier Either…

You’d be surprised — summer presents its own challenges:

Paint drying too fast in direct sun can cause cracking or lap marks
Very hot surfaces (especially metal or dark exteriors) can stop paint bonding properly
High UV exposure can affect colour consistency if not applied correctly

That’s why professional application matters year-round — we adjust our timing, surface prep, and product choices depending on the season.

✅ Why Brush Hour Painting Gets It Right – Any Time of Year

We’re experienced in navigating the quirks of Canterbury’s seasonal weather, and we only use premium, season-appropriate products — like Dulux Weathershield® and Dulux Wash&Wear® ranges.

With the right prep, paint, and timing, we can deliver a high-quality result even in cooler conditions — and we won’t take on a job unless we know we can do it well.

📅 Thinking of Waiting Until Spring?

You don’t have to. Winter painting:

Avoids the spring/summer backlog (you’ll beat the rush!)
Means your home is ready to enjoy when the warm weather comes
Often gives better availability and flexibility in scheduling

🖌️ In Summary

Yes — you can paint in winter.

No — you don’t need to wait for summer.

✅ Just choose a team who knows how to do it right.

At Brush Hour Painting, we take the stress and guesswork out of seasonal painting. If you’re ready to refresh your home — inside or out — reach out today for a free, no-pressure quote.