How long does spray paint take to dry? This is the question which arrives after painting with spray paint. Your next move is typically to anticipate around until it dries. Amid a project, you’re wondering how long you’re going to have to wait. Then, often, you’re waiting to get back to work.
Most of the time, the back of the spray paint can tell you roughly how long it takes to dry. Unfortunately, the text is usually tiny, so you may have to go hunting for it. However, this isn’t always an accurate estimation, as many factors can affect how long it takes to dry.
It is vital to understand how much time is required for the paint to dry, especially for recoating purposes. Failing to understand that might ruin your entire project. In modern, fast-paced life, spray paints are like the fast food of colours.
Influence of The Surface Material
The thumb rule is that if it is smooth, it will take less long to dry. In contrast, if it is rough, the time required will be increased correspondingly.
Metal surfaces dry pretty quickly; especially in the case of metal, environmental factors need to be kept in mind. Increased heat and humidity also drastically increase the time required for drying.
The drying process is slow for wood because of absorption. Therefore, cleaning the surface of the dirt using a wet rag before applying paint is recommended.
You can reduce any irregularities if you use high-grit sandpaper.
Tread the paint carefully when it comes to plastics and rubber. When it comes to these materials, the time required to dry will vary due to the texture.
Types of Spray Paint Being Used
- Enamel Paint: Enamel paint begins to dry within minutes. The main reason is the evaporation rate of the solvent. Here the existence of air in the formula cross-links the polymers and results in creating a firm surface. After application, it takes approximately ten to thirty minutes for a dry surface. It takes 8 hours for a complete dry.
- Epoxy or Polyurethane Paint: Epoxy or Polyurethane paint is the quickest drying spray paint on the market. You have to delay two ingredients to have a chemical reaction. In five minutes, the exterior drying will take place. A hard dry takes typically about an hour.
- Lacquer Paint: Using lacquer spray paint will give you a faster drying time. In some types of latex, you can achieve the same result if the water is used to dilute the paint. Lacquer Paint is made with a thermoplastic polymer. The surface-dry procedure takes three to a maximum of five minutes. A hard dry takes typically about three hours.
Environmental Factors
- Humidity: Humidity is a crucial factor that hurts the overall drying process. For paint jobs, the usual preference is a space with low humidity.
- Temperature: When it comes to heat, warmer weather will make the paint dry faster. It would help if you took extra caution for working in below-freezing temperatures. If you’re painting below freezing temperature, the workspace needs to be well ventilated. The spray gun and the about to painted surface should be clean of frost. Cold weather can cause issues with the paint consistency, so work as quickly as possible.
Pro Tip: Please plan for a longer drying time while working in freezing temperatures. If the project is time-sensitive and you’re painting something portable, it’s best to work inside. Otherwise, try to start painting just before midday.
Stages of Dryness
All paints go through four stages of drying. Therefore, understanding the stages of spray paint drying is essential to determine how long it may take the colour to finish drying.
- Surface Dry: When the solvent evaporates, it is known as surface dry. There will be a thin layer on the surface of the paint during this stage. But you have to be careful as this layer may be sticky.
- Touch Dry: You can touch the layer of the paint. But apply even slight pressure to it is going to break and stick onto your finger.
- Hard Dry: At the hard-dry stage, the paint is dry, but you cannot apply any pressure. Putting pressure will leave your fingerprints on the colour, although the paint is no longer sticky enough to get on the finger itself.
- Thorough Dry: It’s over. You can touch it, put pressure on it. Sit back and congratulate yourself on a job well done.
Thickness of the Paint
The more concentrated the paint, the harder it’s going to take to dry. But, at the same time, the thickness may depend on the formula of the type of paint you are using, the ratio of the solution of thinner, paint, water.
Make Spray Paint Dry Fast
- Apply Thin Coat: If the paint coat is thin, there will be a lesser amount of paint for drying, to begin with. So, for quicker drying, try to use a thin layer of paint. Do not recoat over wet paint if you don’t get enough coverage from the previous attempt.
- Run A Heater Near the Object: Working indoors, you can turn up the thermostat’s heat in your house or use a small heater. If you are painting outdoors, the sun is your friend.
- Decrease Humidity: While working indoors, running a dehumidifier in the room could be considered if you work in a humid environment. The weather is also wet outside then it is recommended to keep the windows closed
- Circulate Air by Turning on a Fan: If there is no wind, this fantastic piece of technology can make some for you. The rate of evaporation increased due to the circulation of the surrounding air.
Final Thoughts
Spray painting is the staple of modern art culture, and it is the quickest form of painting. Not only does it serve as a piece of art, but you can also use it to put a colourful coating over metal, wood, and other materials. Remember to follow the instructions and be mindful of the warnings.