Fall weather is slowly ushering us back inside and, after weeks at the cottage or abroad, you’re looking at your home with fresh eyes. You’re noticing weatherstripping that needs to be replaced, drywall dents that need repair, and gutters that need cleaning. To top it off, holiday gatherings are on the horizon, and you missed your chance for a fresh coat of paint (again!).
The good news is that checking off your fall to-do list isn’t as daunting as it seems. And the extra good news is that it’s not too late to paint your interior!
Contrary to popular belief, you can paint your house in the winter and, depending on your project, it might even be a better time to paint than summer. But before you bring out the paint swatches, there are a few drawbacks to painting in winter.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of winter house painting and decide if it’s right for you.
Benefits of winter house painting
It’s easier to hire the best painters
Any house painter will tell you that summer is their busiest season. Summer brings consistently sunny days, ideal for painting house exteriors, and there’s plenty of summer activity to get you out of the house if you’re painting interior walls.
While it’s true that exterior house painting is a seasonal job, interior house painting can be done all year round. Booking painters for interior jobs in the off-season means you’re more likely to get sought-after painters whose schedules are jampacked in the summer. Even better: you might be able to get them to work around your schedule.
Paint dries faster
No one wants to spend winter watching paint dry – and you’re not about to open all the windows in the middle of January. But guess what: winter painting doesn’t require either of those things. The two factors that determine how fast your paint will dry are temperature and humidity.
Paint dries best at a temperature between 16°C and 27°C. Canadians tend to keep their homes between 18°C and 25°C in the winter, so the temperature shouldn’t be a problem for your paint.
The higher the humidity, the longer it takes for your paint to dry. Toronto summers are hot, but they’re also extremely humid. For this reason, dry Canadian winters are ideal for interior house painting.
You can get it done while you’re on vacation
All Canadians have their winter traditions. Downhill or cross-country skiing, winter spa getaways, or travelling south for some much needed vitamin D. If you’re planning a winter vacation, why not book your paint job for when you’re away? Find reputable painters you can trust, clear space for them to work freely, and come home to a fresh coat of paint. Learn more about our painting services.
Downsides of painting in winter
You absolutely cannot paint your exterior
We mentioned this above but it’s worth mentioning again. Exterior house painting is out of the question in winter. Winter conditions and unpredictable weather are likely to result in a botched paint job that you won’t be able to fix until summer. Exterior painting in winter is also extremely dangerous. Even if you do find a painter who is willing to take on your project, keep in mind you’re putting them at risk and could be liable for any injuries they sustain.
You have to keep the heat on – even while you’re away
If you’re planning to have your house painted while you’re at a chalet or down south, keep in mind you’ll need to leave the heat on. As we said above, temperature plays a vital role in helping your paint dry. While your paint will still dry at temperatures as low as 10°C, you ideally want to keep the temperature at 16°C or higher.
The odor might be stronger
Painting your interior in the winter is completely safe as long as you have proper ventilation in your home. With proper ventilation, there’s no need to open a window and let the heat out.
However, if you’re sensitive to smells, you might find the odour of new paint is particularly strong with the windows closed. Either bundle up and crack a window for a few hours, take a walk outside, or retreat to another area of the house. If you’re prone to severe headaches caused by smell, you may want to consider waiting until summer to paint.
House Painting FAQs
How much does it cost to paint a room?
Painting a single room can range from $300 to $1,000. Several factors determine the cost of a paint job. To receive an accurate estimate, you’ll need to provide the approximate square footage of the room and the wall height. Additionally, let us know if you want the ceiling and trim painted, and whether you have paint already or would like us to supply it. Get a free quote now.
How long does paint take to dry inside?
As long as you have proper ventilation in your house, the first coat of interior paint can dry in one hour. Most painters wait two hours before applying the second coat. Once the second coat is on, your walls will be completely dry in four to six hours.
Is it safe to sleep in a room that was just painted?
It’s safe to sleep in a room that has been recently painted as long as the paint is dry. If the paint is still drying there are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air, which can be harmful if inhaled for a prolonged period of time. For young children, individuals with respiratory issues, and elderly or pregnant people, we would recommend sleeping elsewhere for two to three nights to ensure all VOCs have completely dissipated.
Can tenants paint walls in Ontario?
As a renter in Ontario, yes you can paint your interior, but there are a few things to consider before you do. While you don’t need your landlord’s permission, it’s recommended that you get it – and get it in writing.
Landlords are most concerned about damage to their property. As long as you’re not painting over varnished furniture (like kitchen cabinets), leaving paint stains, or adding wallpaper, there’s no legal reason for your landlord to deny your request. Be clear on what you intend to paint (walls and ceilings only) and let them know you will be getting it done professionally. If they’re still not convinced, you can offer to repaint the walls their original colour before you move out.
Find the right handyman service
The handyman you hire should check all of these boxes:
- Experience with similar projects.
- Knowledge of methods and materials required.
- Licensing and insurance to ensure quality craftsmanship.
- Customer reviews that are positive and recent.
- Clear communication and the ability to answer all your questions prior to project start.
Working with Odd Job
At Odd Job, we only take on projects when we have the knowledge and expertise to do so. We use the highest quality materials suited to your unique needs and budget. Our comprehensive handyman service is friendly, efficient, and comes with a two-year warranty (the longest in the business). We pride ourselves on good communication, punctuality, and convenience for our clients.
Get a free quote for your project or reach out with your questions. We’re here to help!
