Whether you're freshening up a room or giving your home’s exterior a brand-new look, timing your paint project correctly can make all the difference. At Randalls, we know that seasonality plays a key role in both indoor and outdoor painting success. In this guide, we’ll help you determine the best time of year to break out the brushes — and why it matters.
Best Time for Indoor Painting
The good news? You can paint indoors all year long — but some seasons are better than others.
Winter & Fall: Great for Interiors
Lower humidity helps paint dry faster and more evenly.
More availability of professional painters during off-peak seasons.
Natural ventilation isn't necessary with today’s low-VOC paints, making winter a safe and smart choice.
Pro Tip: Keep the room temperature between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and ensure some airflow to speed up drying.
Avoid:
Extremely humid summer days that can cause slow drying or tacky finishes.
Drafty conditions that might blow dust onto fresh paint.
Best Time for Outdoor Painting
Mother Nature plays a much bigger role when painting outside.
Late Spring through Early Fall
This is prime time for exterior painting in most parts of Canada, especially May to September.
Look for:
Daytime temperatures of 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).
Dry conditions for at least 2-3 days before and after painting.
Low humidity for proper adhesion and finish.
❌ Avoid:
Rainy days or moisture-heavy weather.
Too hot (over 30°C) — the paint may dry too quickly and crack.
Too cold (under 10°C) — many paints won’t cure properly.
Consider These Painting Services
Whether you're planning your next paint job yourself or want professional support, Randalls has you covered. We offer:
🎨 Colour consultations
📦 Professional-grade paints & tools
🧑🎨 Expert painters for hire
📍 In-store support & advice
Bonus: Year-Round Painting Tips
Choose the right paint for the season. Randalls carries options formulated for both warm and cold weather.
Plan ahead to avoid last-minute delays from rain or unexpected cold fronts.
Ask the experts — our team is happy to recommend products and timing for your unique project.
Ready to Start Your Project?
At Randalls, we’ve been helping Ottawa homeowners and businesses make smart, stylish paint decisions since 1948. If you’re unsure when to start or which products to use, we’re just a click away.
✨ Looking for the perfect colour match or advice?
📄 Fill out our Painter Order Form
🛍️ Explore our services and collections
Let Randalls be your seasonal painting partner — inside or out.