December Painting Tips & Tricks for Oregon Homeowners
December in Oregon brings cold mornings, wet afternoons, and unpredictable weather—but it also brings a great opportunity to tackle certain home projects that often get overlooked. Whether you’re preparing your home for winter storms, refreshing interior spaces for the holidays, or planning ahead for spring, here are our top December painting tips and tricks for Oregon homeowners.
1. Choose Paint Products Designed for the Pacific Northwest
Oregon’s winter brings dampness, low temperatures, and minimal sunlight. When painting during this season, it’s important to use moisture-resistant and cold-weather-rated paints—especially for exterior touch-ups.
These formulas are designed to cure properly in temperatures as low as 35–40°F, making them ideal for our climate.
2. Prioritize Interior Painting in Winter
December is actually one of the best months for interior work.
Here’s why:
Consistent indoor temperatures help paint cure evenly
Lower humidity inside helps reduce drying time
Holiday gatherings make a freshly painted home feel warm and welcoming
Interior projects like walls, trim, doors, cabinets, and ceilings are all perfect winter tasks.
3. Watch Your Indoor Humidity Levels
Between rain, heaters, and closed windows, winter humidity can fluctuate.
Keep these tips in mind:
Run your HVAC fan to circulate warm air
Use a dehumidifier if your home feels overly damp
Open windows slightly during painting to allow proper ventilation
Balanced humidity = smooth finishes with fewer imperfections.
4. Refresh High-Traffic Areas Before Holiday Guests Arrive
Entryways, mudrooms, hallways, banisters, and baseboards take the most wear—especially with Oregon’s winter mud and moisture.
A simple touch-up or fresh coat can dramatically improve the look of your home during the holiday season.
5. Keep an Eye on Exterior Trouble Spots
Even if you’re not planning a full exterior paint job, December is the perfect time to inspect your home. Look for:
Peeling or bubbling paint
Water damage or swollen wood
Cracks around windows and trim
Exposed bare surfaces
Fixing these small issues now helps prevent costly repairs once the heavy rain and wind arrive in January and February.
6. Don’t Ignore the Garage or Workshop
These overlooked spaces can benefit from a winter refresh too.
Painted walls, sealed floors, and bright trim make garages cleaner, brighter, and more usable all winter long.
7. Plan Ahead for Spring Painting
If your home will need exterior painting in 2025, December is the perfect time to:
Schedule an estimate
Get on a contractor’s spring calendar
Plan your colors and finishes
Painters book quickly once the weather warms up, so early planning = stress-free scheduling.
Final Thoughts
Oregon winters may be wet and chilly, but they’re also an ideal time to focus on interior upgrades, maintenance touch-ups, and early planning for spring projects. A little care now can protect your home, improve its comfort, and boost curb appeal even during the rainiest months.
From all of us at Bennett Brothers Painting LLC, we’re here to help keep your home looking its best all season long.
📍 Serving homeowners throughout Oregon
🎨 Licensed | Bonded | Insured CCB #239600
🌐 www.bennettbrospaintingor.com
