The old adage says that “haste makes waste,” and we can probably all point to areas where that is true. So, what about in the case of interior painting? Do you need to wait a certain amount of time for it to dry before you can put your rooms back to their regular usage? How long does interior paint take to dry?
There are three main stages in the drying of paint, and if you rush them, it could lead to damage to the new finish. In that case, haste really would make waste! Those three stages are:
- Dry to the touch
- Ready for another coat
- Fully cured
In the information that follows, keep in mind that these are average times. Some specific paint formulas are engineered to dry faster or slower. Always check the paint can for instructions. Also, Connecticut homeowners may find that higher humidity will lead to longer dry times depending on the season.
When Is Paint Dry to the Touch?
A typical interior paint with a latex/acrylic base is ready to touch in less than an hour. That means that when handled gently, it will not easily be marred by fingerprints or smeared if it receives incidental touching. Also, after that first hour, if clothing or pets brush against the newly-painted wall, they are not likely to end up with that color on them. In the case of oil-based interior paints, the initial dry time can be more like six to eight hours.
When Is Interior Paint Ready for Another Coat?
Most brands of interior paint recommend waiting four hours before recoating your walls. If you move too quickly and apply new paint before the previous coating is sufficiently dry, it could lead to paint failure and unsightly results. Evaporating compounds from the first coat can bubble up under the second coat, or the second coat could lose adhesion and begin to sag or run.
Using a dehumidifier can help to ensure the first coat dries more quickly, but be careful, as paint is not intended to dry too quickly. You can use a dehumidifier to lower the humidity to a moderate level, but do not make the air excessively dry.
A fan can also be used to circulate the air and help paint dry, but be careful not to run a fan in a way that will cause dust or hair to float onto drying walls.
Helpful Tips:
- When you do your first coat, note the time you finished each wall. You often can begin recoating the first wall while the third and fourth walls are still drying.
- If you do this, be aware that the second coat often goes on more quickly than the first. Be careful not to move ahead to the next walls until they are ready.
When Is Interior Paint Fully Cured?
Interior paint can take from 14 to 30 days to be 100% cured. Once again, this depends on humidity, temperature, air circulation, and other factors. Once it is fully cured, the painted wall can be gently washed, and it has achieved its full resistance against stains and scuffs.
When Can I Hang Pictures and Put Back Furniture?
No one wants to live with bare walls and furniture in disarray for 2-4 weeks while their paint dries! Fortunately, you don’t need to. One day is usually a good amount of time to wait. If you are in doubt, ask your local painting company. They know how the drying process goes with different types of paint and environmental conditions.
Southington Painting
For best results with interior painting, work with a reputable local painting company. They will know the right procedures and drying times for all your surfaces, and they can also answer all your other painting questions.
Southington Painting has been serving Connecticut for over 40 years, providing interior painting, cabinet refinishing, exterior painting, drywall services, deck maintenance, and a wide variety of other services. Contact our office to schedule your free estimate for interior painting: we are excited to meet you!
