Español

Your Favorites

Paint Drying Advice

How Long Does Paint Take to Dry & Cure

 

Paint Drying Times and Factors


Oftentimes, the hardest part of any makeover is waiting for the paint to dry. After you’ve spent time and elbow grease on a great project, it’s tough to remain patient and let the paint dry fully before putting the item to use.
There are four main factors that determine how long you should keep hands off your new beauty:

 
Paint Drying Advice
  1. Oil-based paint can be dry to the touch in 6–8 hours and is typically ready to recoat in 24 hours. This drying period allows the solvents in the paint to evaporate adequately, ensuring a solid base for the next layer of paint.
  2. Latex paint is known for its quick drying times, typically being dry to the touch in about one hour, and you can safely recoat in four hours. This faster drying time is one of the main advantages of latex paint, making it a go-to choice for many DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
  3. However, the labels on all paint cans specify the dry and recoat times for that particular paint, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s directions for exact times. These guidelines are formulated based on extensive testing in controlled environments, ensuring that you achieve the best results. Ignoring them can lead to inadequate drying and potential issues like tackiness or uneven surfaces. 
Find All Paint Products

Glidden paint on wall of home

Type of Paint

  1. Oil-based paint can be dry to the touch in 6–8 hours and is typically ready to recoat in 24 hours. This drying period allows the solvents in the paint to evaporate adequately, ensuring a solid base for the next layer of paint.
  2. Latex paint is known for its quick drying times, typically being dry to the touch in about one hour, and you can safely recoat in four hours. This faster drying time is one of the main advantages of latex paint, making it a go-to choice for many DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
  3. However, the labels on all paint cans specify the dry and recoat times for that particular paint, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s directions for exact times. These guidelines are formulated based on extensive testing in controlled environments, ensuring that you achieve the best results. Ignoring them can lead to inadequate drying and potential issues like tackiness or uneven surfaces. 
Find All Paint Products
  1. If paint is applied too thickly or is recoated before the first coat is fully dry, the dry time will be considerably longer and the paint may dry gloppy and uneven. This can lead to a discolored or streaky finish that could undermine the aesthetic appeal of your project.
  2. Applying two thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat is generally a better approach for several reasons. Thin coats dry much faster and more evenly, which minimizes the risk of streaks and ensures a smoother final finish.

Find Paint Colors For Your Project

Application of Paint

  1. If paint is applied too thickly or is recoated before the first coat is fully dry, the dry time will be considerably longer and the paint may dry gloppy and uneven. This can lead to a discolored or streaky finish that could undermine the aesthetic appeal of your project.
  2. Applying two thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat is generally a better approach for several reasons. Thin coats dry much faster and more evenly, which minimizes the risk of streaks and ensures a smoother final finish.

Find Paint Colors For Your Project
  1. If there is too much water vapor in the air (humidity) or the room is warmer than average, it will take considerably longer for your paint to dry. High humidity levels cause moisture to settle on the painted surface, preventing the paint from drying properly and potentially leading to a tacky or uneven finish.
  2. To speed up dry time, close the windows and turn on the air conditioning or run a fan. Ensuring proper ventilation helps evaporate the moisture quickly, leading to faster and more even drying. If air conditioning is not available, ceiling or portable fans can create a consistent airflow across the painted surface, which aids in the evaporation process. Additionally, you might consider using a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in the room, especially in areas that are prone to high moisture levels.
See More Helpful How-To Articles

Humidity & Temperature

  1. If there is too much water vapor in the air (humidity) or the room is warmer than average, it will take considerably longer for your paint to dry. High humidity levels cause moisture to settle on the painted surface, preventing the paint from drying properly and potentially leading to a tacky or uneven finish.
  2. To speed up dry time, close the windows and turn on the air conditioning or run a fan. Ensuring proper ventilation helps evaporate the moisture quickly, leading to faster and more even drying. If air conditioning is not available, ceiling or portable fans can create a consistent airflow across the painted surface, which aids in the evaporation process. Additionally, you might consider using a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in the room, especially in areas that are prone to high moisture levels.
See More Helpful How-To Articles
Once your paint dries, your project may still not be ready for everyday use. For a paint to be considered dry, enough solvents must evaporate so it feels dry to the touch. This means that the paint also has to cure.

Paint doesn’t cure, or reach maximum hardness, until days after the paint is dry.
How long it takes to cure depends on the type of paint:
  1. Oil-based paints - about 7 days.
  2. Latex paints - about 30 days
So, don’t put your newly painted cabinet or dining room table into heavy rotation until the paint is dry and has fully cured so that it will withstand everyday use.

Explore More How-To Painting Guides

Paint Curing Times and Factors

Once your paint dries, your project may still not be ready for everyday use. For a paint to be considered dry, enough solvents must evaporate so it feels dry to the touch. This means that the paint also has to cure.

Paint doesn’t cure, or reach maximum hardness, until days after the paint is dry.
How long it takes to cure depends on the type of paint:
  1. Oil-based paints - about 7 days.
  2. Latex paints - about 30 days
So, don’t put your newly painted cabinet or dining room table into heavy rotation until the paint is dry and has fully cured so that it will withstand everyday use.

Explore More How-To Painting Guides