“Fireweed is a rust and brown-toned red, which brings a pleasing kind of warmth to any space with its earthiness”, says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. Included in the brand’s 2024 color forecast, this dynamic red effortlessly complements the fall aesthetic and pairs beautifully with understated neutrals.
Things to know when painting in cool weather
Rather than endure the sweltering summer heat, many people prefer to take on exterior painting projects in cooler, more temperate fall weather. However, crisp mornings and warm afternoons often give way to cool evenings and when the thermometer drops, painters must take heed of special precautions. If you’re considering applying a new exterior paint color to your home this fall Hirshfield’s expert, Wendy Doornink, says the best time to paint is typically between 10:00a.m. and 3:00p.m. She also has recommends these exterior painting tips for fall weather:
50-degrees
Wendy says, for best results you should not apply paint or stains in temperatures below 50-degrees. Not following these guidelines can cut years off the life of the paint job, before cracking and loss of adhesion set in. However, Hirshfield’s Paint Manufacturing has a complete line of premium 100% acrylic latex paints and primers that have been specially formulated to be used in temperatures as low as 35°F. Keep in mind, in ideal situations, the air and surface temperatures should not drop below 35° for 36 hours after application to allow proper drying and film formation.
In the hot and humid summer months, it’s common practice for painters to begin painting on the shady side of a house and working around the home to avoid the glare of the sun. In the fall, it’s the exact opposite. When possible start painting on the sunny side of the house and follow the sun around your home.
Be patient
Keep in mind that lower temperatures mean slower drying and longer curing times, which means be patient. Allow ample time between coats, generally 24-hours. Wendy adds, “this is especially critical when you’re painting with darker colors, which have more colorant, or when applying a latex paint over an alkyd primer.”
Here’s a thumbnail meteorology lesson, the dew point is the temperature at which moisture will condense on a surface. So, what does this mean for you painters? Paints, stains, or primers should not be applied unless the surface temperature is at least 5° higher than the dew point. Remember that all surfaces to be stained or painted need to be clean and dry. If dew forms on a painted surface that hasn’t had a chance cure properly, you may experience some water spotting or surfactant leaching problems, especially in darker colors.
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Creamy White
“One color that creates a beautiful backdrop for fall tones is Sherwin-Williams’ Greek Villa”, says interior designer Marie Flanigan. Instead of using a saturated fall paint color on the walls, opt for a neutral base that allows you to layer seasonal touches throughout the year. “I love that this light white color is warm enough to complement beautiful rusts, coppers, deep greens, and other fall-inspired variations,” Flanigan says.
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Deep Eggplant
For a dark and sophisticated fall paint color, Anastasia Casey of IDCO Studio recommends Caponata by Benjamin Moore. “This color is rich in depth, with eggplant hues that can lean to a beautiful brown,” she says. “It’s perfect for fall because it has warm undertones that complement the golden haze of fall sunsets and changing foliage.”
For a moody effect, Casey suggests using Caponata to color drench a space by painting the walls, trim, and ceiling all the same shade. She notes it’s also a fabulous trim color alternative to black or charcoal if you’re in search of a dark tone to pair with lighter walls.
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Golden Yellow
Infuse your home with the golden warmth of Behr’s Amber Brew this fall. “It’s a gold tone that evokes a sense of comforting warmth that lifts the spirits with its optimistic vibe”, Woelfel says. For a small dose of this sunshine-drenched yellow hue, consider using it on an accent wall or beadboard in a bathroom, powder room, or mudroom.
Paint Color: Amber Brew by Behr
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