By the Maple Coat Painting team · Updated
Painting indoors during an Ottawa winter
Ottawa spends a long stretch of the year with the windows shut, and that's when most people notice their walls. The good news: interior painting doesn't need warm weather. It needs heat, power and a plan for airflow.
What a winter job needs
Our standard conditions:
- Working electricity and heat in the home.
- Access between 8 AM and 6 PM on the scheduled day.
- Parking within about 50 metres, or disclosed before checkout. Snowbanks count; tell us if your driveway or street is tight.
- Pets secured away from the work area.
Air and drying with the windows closed
- Keep the heat at a normal room temperature; don't turn it down to save money that day.
- Run bathroom and range fans to move air.
- Keep the painted room's door closed for the first evening if anyone's sensitive to smell.
- If you can, crack a window for a few minutes after the crew leaves.
Rooms worth doing in winter
- Basements: the rec room you'll use all winter. See basement painting.
- Entryways and halls: salt, boots and sports bags leave marks.
- Guest rooms: before visitors arrive.
Booking and changes
No payment is taken when you submit. Once you accept the written contract, the deposit is 15% of the pre-HST price, capped at $500. Rescheduling with at least 48 hours' notice is free. Details: cancellation and rescheduling.
Get your price
Get my winter painting price →
Related: cost to paint a room, preparing a room.
Questions from Ottawa homeowners
Can interior painting be done in winter?
Yes. Interior painting happens indoors with the heat on. Working electricity and heat are part of our standard conditions.
Will the smell be a problem with windows closed?
Plan to air the room when you can. Keep the door closed and run the bathroom or range fan if helpful.
Is there a holiday booking deadline?
Check the site for current scheduling. We don't publish dates on this guide.
What if a snowstorm hits on the day?
Rescheduling with at least 48 hours' notice is free. If we have to move your date, you choose the next open date or a full deposit refund, and if you keep the job you get $100 off it.
Do I need to be home?
For lived-in rooms, someone needs to give access between 8 AM and 6 PM on the scheduled day.
Ready for a price on your Ottawa rooms?