How Long Does It Take Paint To Dry
I don’t know about you, but whenever I start a DIY project, I want it done as soon as possible! However, whenever paintings are involved, rushing can make a real mess.
Before moving to the next step in a project, think about this: How long does it take paint to dry? Knowing the answer can help you avoid ruining your existing paint job and getting paint everywhere else.
Different Types of Paint
Naturally, different types of paint are made up of different chemicals and consistencies. Depending on the type will affect how long the paint takes to dry. Let’s take a look at all the major types of paint and their recommended drying times.
How Long Does It Take Spray Paint To Dry?
Spray paint works best on metal, where it can dry in as little as ten minutes. On wood, it can take much longer, as the wood tends to soak up the paint. The smoother the surface, the faster the spray paint will dry.
Depending on what you want to do on the surface, a thorough dry can take several hours or even up to a day. Patience is key if you’re planning several different-colored coats or want to draw, mark, or drill on the paint. Waiting somewhere between 24 and 36 hours for the paint to fully dry out is your best bet.
How Long Does It Take Oil Paint To Dry?
Oil paint is notoriously slow to dry, so settle in for a long wait! There’s a plus side to this too. You will have plenty of time to mold and shape the oil paint before it dries fully.
There is no set time for how long it takes oil paint to dry. But, a good rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 hours per coat.
How Long Does It Take Acrylic Paint To Dry?
Much like spray paint, acrylics will dry quite quickly to the touch, often within 20 to 30 minutes. However, a thorough dry can take between three and four hours, depending on how many coats you do.
How Long Does It Take Exterior Paint To Dry?
Exterior paint is often used for building exteriors exposed to the elements. That can mean that the drying times are highly dependent on the weather, with wind and rain slowing down the process. However, you can expect exterior paint to be dry to the touch after a few hours.
Some brands warn that it can take up to 30 days to fully set and the permanent color to come through. The drying process can mean it changes in the shade from its initial color when wet.
How Long Does It Take Latex Paint To Dry?
Latex paint takes the longest to dry and cure because of the consistency. It will feel dry to the touch after roughly 30 minutes, will be fully dry after six to eight hours, and it can take up to six weeks for it to cure and for the final color to show up.
FAQ’s
More things can affect ‘how long does paint take to dry’ than simply different types. Here are some other variables to think about that might come into play as well.
What conditions affect how long paint takes to dry?
The major condition that can affect the dry time is the weather. In particular, high humidity will slow paint drying down by a lot. If you can, avoid painting when it’s especially humid. If you have to, then expect the drying time to increase by a substantial amount.
How long after painting can you hang things?
It’s best to wait at least 48 hours after painting before hanging something up. This is especially true if that involves sticky hooks or any adhesive. If there’s still wet paint, it could cause the adhesive to slip around.
Even worse, things might not stick at all. Then, it’ll come crashing down and damage the thing you’re hanging and the wall as well.
Do I really need to wait 4 hours between coats of paint?
Although it might test your patience, four hours is a good rule of thumb for waiting between coats. For spray paints, it can be much quicker. For oil paints, you often need to wait much longer.
How long should paint dry before removing tape?
It’s generally safe to remove painter’s tape from the wall as soon as it is dry to the touch. (Usually after about 30 minutes.) However, to be extra safe, it’s smart to check the packaging on the tape. Some brands have specific times that they recommend you wait.
What helps the process go faster?
If you’re working to a time crunch, there are a few tips and tricks to help paint dry faster:
- The first is to apply heat. A simple way to do this at home is to use a hairdryer on low pressure. This gently airs it out without disturbing the wet paint. You could also turn the heating on in your home or put a space heater nearby. Alternatively, you could time your painting project with a hot summer’s day.
- Applying light coats of paint is another way to speed up the process. Several lighter coats of paint will take much less time to dry than a few thick ones.
- Paint one wall at a time. By the time the next wall is done, the one you’ve painted just before should be dry. It might not speed up the time, but it will reduce your waiting around time.
- Finally, try opening up a window. Having good ventilation and airflow is key to helping move the process along plus, it airs out the new paint smells faster.
Check out more DIY posts
Now you can answer the question of “How long does paint take to dry?” So, it’s time to get cracking on your next painting project! In case you need any more tips, these articles might also be useful:
- The Best Trim Colors To Paint In Your Home
- The Best Bedroom Paint Colors To Use
- Best White Trim Paint Colors
Tania Griffis is an accomplished writer, blogger, and interior designer with a Journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma. She started her popular blog, Run to Radiance, in 2011, demonstrating her design expertise through the personal remodeling of six houses to millions of readers across the globe.
Tania also owns The Creative Wheelhouse, a respected ghostwriting agency for bloggers, further showcasing her talent for creating engaging and informative content.
