Starting a new painting project? Want to know how long it takes for paint on walls to dry?
Applying paint on a layer that is still wet or not completely dry can lead to bubbles or blisters... You'll have to start over!
But don't panic, we are passionate about this subject and know exactly how to help you.
In this article, you will discover :
- Why to wait between coats of paint
- How long to dry between coats
- How to reduce drying time
The drying time of paint on walls will no longer hold any secrets for you.
Let's find out together right now.
Why wait between coats of paint
It is essential to respect the drying time indicated on the paint can because drying has an importance on the adhesion of the paint. Indeed, the drier the paint is, the easier it will be to apply the next coat.
It is essential to let your coat dry before considering continuing to paint, this is also the case when you are at the stage of undercoating. Your substrate will absorb some of the undercoat and feed off the various paint components, so don't expect to apply your topcoat directly in the process or your substrate may not be ready.
The same is true between coats of topcoat: if you paint over a paint that is still wet or not completely dry, you run the risk of bubbles or blisters appearing... You will then have to start over!
So trust the recommended drying time and don't let your senses play tricks on you: to the touch, your paint may quickly appear dry on the surface, while the core takes longer to dry.
How long to dry between coats
Drying time varies depending on the paint:
- Acrylic paint: it takes between 1 and 2 hours between each coat and 6 hours for complete drying.
- Latex paint: It dries to the touch in about an hour and can be covered in 24 hours.
- Glycero paint (oil-based): This paint takes longer to dry. You need to wait between 6 and 8 hours between coats and up to 24 hours for it to be completely dry.
In any case, don't forget to first apply an undercoat on your project. After that, two coats of finish paint should be sufficient.
How to reduce drying time
Below are some tips on how to reduce paint drying time.
A well-prepared substrate
Substrate preparation is critical. For the paint to hang and dry properly, the surface you are painting must be perfect. Don't neglect the various stages of washing, coating and sanding.
A well-mixed paint
Before you start painting, make sure you have mixed your paint in the can. Don't hesitate to use a mixer to make the texture as homogeneous as possible. This will allow you to mix the different components well, including the heavier ones that tend to stay at the bottom. A badly mixed paint can give an imperfect or even sticky result, so avoid this problem!
Good ventilation
To help your paint dry, make sure your room is well ventilated. Open the windows well before your work and make sure you close them again during application to avoid creating draughts and the deposit of dust on your wall or ceiling while it is drying.
Favorable weather conditions
The temperature and humidity level of your room greatly influence the drying time of your paint. Ideally, do your work when the temperature is between 10°C and 25°C: if you paint under a too high temperature or in full sun, your paint will dry too quickly and will risk cracking whereas if you paint when it is too cold your paint may have a lot of trouble drying or not drying at all. In winter, for example, you can add a heater to your room to facilitate drying. If you are painting an outdoor surface, try to avoid doing your work in the middle of the summer under the bright sun and prefer the spring, for example.
The right humidity level
Similarly, the humidity level in the room is very important. The higher it is, the less your paint will dry. In general, it is recommended that you paint when the humidity level does not exceed 50%. If you ever feel that your room is getting wet while you are painting, you can install fans (not directly in front of the wall to dry but in a corner to avoid the risk of blowing air and dust).
Optimal application
For best results and shortest drying time, apply your undercoat and paint coats correctly: make sure they are neither too thick nor too thin. If you apply too much paint, you prolong the drying time and risk the appearance of bubbles, and if you don't apply enough paint-you'll have to apply another coat.
Conclusion
As you can see, the best advice we can give you is to follow the drying instructions written on your paint can by the manufacturer! This drying time varies according to several parameters, including the type of paint used, the temperature of your room and the humidity level. A little preparation and above all a lot of patience will be your best allies to ensure successful work!
