Allowing sufficient time for a layer of paint to dry before applying the second layer or before touching the painted surface is very important for doing a proper, durable and aesthetically pleasing paint job. Eagle Eye Renovations professionals confirm that the time needed for paint to dry and to cure is influenced by many factors – here are some:
- The type of the paint that you are using – oil-based paint usually becomes dry to the touch in 6-8 hours after applying the coating and it becomes completely dry and ready to receive the next coat in 24 hours, while latex paint becomes dry to the touch in 1 hour and ready for the next layer in 4 hours;
- The application method – a thick coat takes longer to dry than a thinner layer, therefore the methods that allow the application of thin layers, such as spraying, are more efficient and ensure shorter drying times that application with a brush;
- The temperature and the humidity around – paint tends to take longer to dry in low temperature and high humidity conditions. To speed up the process, pick a dry, warm day for painting outside and ensure the optimal conditions for inside painting by closing the windows and turning on the heating;
- Ventilation – the drying process takes shorter to complete in spaces that get good ventilation than in spaces that are stuffy.