Spray paint gives you a quick way to refresh furniture and other household surfaces, and the best part is, it generally dries more quickly than paint applied more thickly with brushes and rollers.
However, drying times vary depending upon the type of spray paint. Acrylic spray paint dries in 30 minutes, while oil-based paints need 8 hours or more. Project success can hinge on understanding these drying times and the factors that affect them.
Drying Time vs. Curing Time
Understanding the difference between drying and curing is crucial. Drying happens when the surface hardens, while curing occurs when the paint reaches full durability. Here’s what you need to know about the process:
- Drying: This is when the paint surface becomes hard enough that it’s no longer wet or tacky to the touch.
- Curing: Pigments and binding agents chemically bond together. This process creates a tough finish that can withstand water, temperature changes, and daily wear and tear.
Drying Time for Different Types of Paint
Different types of spray paint have varying drying times. Acrylic paints dry quickly, becoming touch-dry within minutes, while oil-based paints require several hours to dry. The detailed chart below shows both the touch-dry times and curing times for each type of paint.
| Note: Lacquer and shellac are exceptions as they only go through a drying process without curing. They dry when solvents evaporate, skipping the chemical bonding that happens with other paints. |
Quick Reference: General Spray Paint Drying and Curing Times
| Type of Spray Paint | Dry to Touch | Ready for Second Coat | Curing Time |
| Fast-drying | 5 minutes | 30 minutes | 1 hour |
| Acrylic spray paint | 30 minutes | 30 minutes to 1 hour | 24 hours |
| Oil-based spray paint | 8 hours | 24 hours | 48 hours |
| Lacquer spray paint | 5 minutes | 3 hours | 24 hours |
| Epoxy spray paint | 1 hour | 8 to 16 hours | 24 hours |
| Rust-preventive enamel | 2 to 4 hours | 24 hours | 48 to 72 hours |
| Latex spray paint | 1 hour | 4 hours | 48 hours |
| Primer spray paint | 15 to 30 minutes | 1 hour | 24 hours |
Applying a second coat too soon can cause the first layer to lift or bubble, creating an uneven finish.
Factors Affecting Drying Time
Several factors can influence the drying time of spray paint, and it’s essential to consider these variables when planning your DIY project:
Humidity
The ideal humidity for painting is 40 to 60 percent. This gives you the best drying conditions and consistent results. Humidity over 60 percent slows down drying, often leaving surfaces sticky and creating a cloudy finish, especially with lacquer-based paints.
Thickness of Coat
Professionals generally recommend applying multiple thin coats rather than a single thick one to avoid problems like slow drying, clouding, or dust buildup on the painted surface. Thin coats dry quickly and create an even finish.
Temperature
Moderate temperatures (60-80°F) promote faster drying and better results. Excessive heat can lead to rapid drying, causing cracks or a powdery finish. Cold temperatures (below 32°F) significantly slow down the drying process and often result in a cloudy, uneven finish.
Ventilation
Poor ventilation slows drying and can trap paint fumes. Good ventilation speeds up drying by promoting solvent evaporation and ensures a cleaner, more even finish. Set up two fans for ventilation, an intake fan at one window and an exhaust fan at another. This creates airflow that speeds up drying and removes fumes safely.
Drying Times Based on Material and Texture
The material and texture of a surface significantly affect drying time. Smooth, non-porous surfaces, like metal and plastic, dry faster, while porous materials like wood or something with a rough texture take longer because they trap moisture.
Surface Material
- Metal surfaces: Dry quickly, typically 10-30 minutes, because they are not porous.
- Plastic surfaces: Generally are dry to the touch within 30-60 minutes, though complete drying may take several hours depending on the type of plastic.
- Wood surfaces: Take longer to dry due to their porous nature, typically requiring 2 to 4 hours to become touch-dry and up to 24 hours to be completely dry.
Surface Texture
- Smooth surfaces: Allow for even paint distribution and faster drying times.
- Rough/textured surfaces: Paint can pool in grooves and divots, causing it to take longer to dry.
- Porous surfaces: The material absorbs the liquid in the paint, taking longer to dry and requiring more coats.
Drying Times Based on Climate
The climate in your location plays a substantial role in spray paint drying:
- Arid Climates: Low-humidity, arid climates encourage faster drying.
- Humid Climates: High humidity can extend drying times. Use fans, open windows, and increase airflow to expedite drying in humid conditions.
- Warm Climates: Late spring provides ideal conditions for faster drying. Avoid scorching hot days, which can lead to rapid drying and potential issues.
- Cold Climates: Spray paint should not be used in freezing temperatures (below 32 degrees Fahrenheit), as it can freeze or change consistency.
Tips to Accelerate Spray Paint Drying Time
Here are a few ways you can help your spray paint dry faster without compromising the quality of the finish.
- Apply thin coats instead of one thick layer and allow each coat to become touch-dry before applying the next one.
- Run a dehumidifier for a few hours in your work space before painting to reduce humidity.
- Enhance air circulation by positioning a fan to increase airflow and speed up evaporation. Set it on low or medium speed to avoid stirring up debris, and place it 3 to 4 feet from the painted surface with indirect airflow.
- Keep the temperature in the room to between 55 and 75 degrees, which is the ideal range for paint to dry.
- Use fast-drying spray paint products that dry to the touch in just a few minutes. Though they cost slightly more than regular spray paints, the time saved and convenience make them worth the investment.
Spray Paint Primer: A DIY Lesson Learned
I highly recommend using a primer if you’re refinishing a project with spray paint. I learned this lesson when I painted a laminate shelf without primer to save time. Not one of my better decisions. The paint beaded up on the laminate and was absorbed unevenly in spots where the laminate was missing. The result looked like something from a horror movie.
After a quick sanding to clean up my mistake, I started fresh with a primer, applied thin coats, and practiced more patience. I finished it off with a clear coat sealant, and two years later, that shelf still looks great and hasn’t shown any signs of wear, despite regular use.
FAQs About Spray Painting
For most spray paints, wait at least 15 to 30 minutes between coats to be sure. However, it will depend on the type of paint you’re using. Fast drying formulas take 15 to 30 minutes; acrylic spray paints 30 minutes to 1 hour; oil-based and enamel paints 2 to 4 hours; and primers1 to 2 hours
Dried paint should have a uniform color without shiny or dark spots. Lightly press your fingernail into the paint. If it leaves a dent or feels tacky, the paint needs more time. Remember that “touch dry” doesn’t mean “fully cured.” For maximum durability, allow the full cure time recommended on the can.
Spray paint can still be tacky after the expected drying time in humidity is high, the surface you painted is very porous or you’ve applied thick coats.
Toward a Flawless Spray Paint Project
When spray painting, remember that metal surfaces dry quickly, while wood takes 2 to 4 hours. Apply thin coats and allow proper drying time between layers. Paint in dry outside in dry weather and when temperatures are moderate, and maintain good airflow. It takes practice, but following these guidelines will help you achieve excellent results.
If you need some extra help or just want to ensure the success of your project, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Main Photo Credit: geargodz / Adobe Stock Free / License
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