How Long Paint Takes to Dry and Cure

Knowing how long it takes paint to dry—and waiting accordingly before you go in with another coat or hang items back on the walls—is one of the secrets to a perfect, even wall. But this isn't always a simple call to make: Paint will appear dry before it is, which typically happens when a second coat is applied before the first one is totally dry.

It's important to get this right: Assuming that your paint has dried before all of the layers actually have can lead to cosmetic issues down the line. One way to avoid this problem entirely is to know the dry time of the specific type of paint you're using. Ahead, experts explain exactly how long paint takes to dry, so you can get it right the first time.

How Long Paint Takes to Dry

Dry time can mean various things when it comes to painting, so it helps to think of it as different degrees of dryness. "At the first level, we have 'dry to touch' where the paint may feel dry, but all the layers underneath are still wet," says Jessica Myeck, innovation manager and lead interior designer at Dunn-Edwards DURA. The next level is the paint being dry enough to add a second coat.

Dry times vary depending on the brand and type of paint you're using, but there are some general rules you can follow. These guidelines apply to indoor and outdoor paint, as well as primer.

• Latex paint: takes 30 to 60 minutes to feel dry; wait 2 to 4 hours to apply a second coat 
• Acrylic paint: takes 30 to 60 minutes to feel dry; wait 2 to 4 hours to apply a second coat 
• Oil-based paint: takes 4 to 6 hours to feel dry; wait 8 hours to apply a second coat

How Long Paint Takes to Cure

There's a difference between paint being dry enough to apply another coat and paint being truly dry and scratch-resistant. The time it takes for your paint to harden and dry completely is called curing. That process can take days and varies depending on the type of paint you use. Generally, you should wait to put furniture back, hang wall art, and clean your walls until the curing period is over. 

• Latex paint: 14 to 30 days to cure
• Acrylic paint: 14 to 30 days to cure
• Oil-based paint: 7 days to cure

Factors That Affect Drying Times

External factors can lengthen your paint's dry time. "There are also other variables to keep in mind, such as drying conditions, humidity, and temperature," says Michelle Lee, head of technical at Curator Paints. "Consider your space and evaluate ventilation, humidity levels, and temperature of the space that you will be painting in."

Temperature

How hot or cold a room is may impact drying times. "When you're painting in a colder environment, it may take longer for your paint to dry because the cold temperatures can thicken each coat and slow evaporation," says Myeck. "On the other hand, hot temperatures can cause paint to dry on the surface, but leaves a soft paint film underneath that struggles to dry correctly."

Humidity

High humidity can also extend paint drying times. "When humidity is high, coatings are exposed to greater amounts of water vapor, which affects drying," says Myeck. "When there is more moisture in the air, it takes longer for the water in latex or acrylic coatings to evaporate, which amounts to longer dry times." Running a dehumidifier while you paint can help with this.

Room Ventilation

Paint dries slower in a room with poor air circulation. "If exterior temperatures are moderate and humidity is low, crack open a window," says Joanne Currie, product expert at Glidden. "If you don’t want to open a window, you can run a fan to increase air circulation."

Painting Technique 

Applying paint too thickly or adding a second coat before the first coat is fully dry will extend how long it takes for paint to cure. "Coatings with a thicker film build may lengthen the time needed for the solvent to evaporate, prolonging dry time and preventing the paint from drying correctly," says Myeck. "On the other hand, applying too thin of a coat can limit the paint's performance and not allow for proper adhesion to the surface."