Can I paint when it's humid or rainy?

Short answer

Interior painting is fine in humid weather if you allow longer drying time and keep air moving. Outside, avoid painting when rain is coming within the dry time on the can, when surfaces are damp, or late in the day when dew will form. High humidity can cause surfactant leaching: sticky, brownish streaks that usually wash off.

Tips

Run a dehumidifier or fan indoors.
Give exterior siding a couple of dry days after rain.
Wash off surfactant streaks with water once the paint has set.

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Updated September 2026. Always follow the directions on your product's label; manufacturer instructions come first.