How To Make Paint Dry Faster: 5 Tips From Professional Painters

by John Griffith
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Waiting for paint to dry is one of the most excruciatingly boring experiences. After all, there is a reason that the phrase “like watching paint dry” is an epitome of boredom. But not only is it not entertaining it also really slows down your process. So, what can you do about it. While there is no way to make paint dry instantly, there are a handful of techniques you can use to make the process go faster. Professional painters usually don’t have all the time in the world to wait for paint to dry. So, they speed up their drying process in order to get the job done well and in time without rushing. Today, we will show you some of their best tips and tricks on how to make paint dry faster.

Waiting for paint to dry is one of the most excruciatingly boring experiences

how to make paint dry faster woman painting a wall bright red

How To Make Paint Dry Faster

Different paint compositions dry at different speed. However, averagely interior paint can take anywhere from an hour to eight hours to dry. The drying speed depends a lot on the humidity of the room, the paint, the temperature, and the thickness of the coat. However, you don’t have to leave the fate of your drying time to all of these factors. So, if you are sick of waiting for paint to dry, it’s time to take matters into your own hands. Lessen the drying time with some of the following methods:

Different paint compositions dry at different speed

painting wall light pink with roller

#Open the windows

Good air ventilation is crucial when it comes to reducing the drying time. Open up all the windows. This is a simple way to get the air moving and to get rid of all the paint fumes. However, if the air outside is more humid, than the air inside, then this method won’t be as effective. It’s best to choose a warm and dry day to do your painting.

Good air ventilation is crucial when it comes to reducing the drying time

opened windows on home

#Get a fan, heater, or hairdryer

If cracking open a window isn’t possible, then you can use a fan, a heater, or even a hairdryer to get your paint to dry faster. All of these tools will help get the air to move around the room and it will make the air in the room dryer. Both these things make them super effective tools. Just make sure to position them properly. You don’t want them too close to the paint, as it can blister. Make sure to keep these tools at least two inches away from the surface.

Use a fan, a heater, or even a hairdryer to get your paint to dry faster

fan proped to dry walls

#Apply lighter coats

The thicker the coat, the more time it will need to dry. That’s why home improvement expert and founder of I’ll Just Fix It Myself, Joshua Bartlett, recommends you apply pain in lighter layers but multiple times. While this may sound like it will take twice the time it would if you just painted one thick coat, it’s actually quite efficient. And thinner paint coats achieve better results. This is because thin coats are less likely to drip, run, or crack.

The thicker the coat, the more time it will need to dry

man painting the wall in bright pink

#Control humidity levels

As we mentioned, ventilation is very important when it comes to reducing drying time. However, humidity levels are very important. If the space is super humid, your paint will take longer to dry. And if it’s also humid outside, it will take forever. If that is the case then it’s best to get a dehumidifier to help control the moisture levels in the space. If you do a lot of paint jobs, it’s definitely worth investing.

Get a dehumidifier to help control the moisture levels

how to make paint dry faster himidifier machine

#Get a water-based paint

Most paints are usually water-based or oil-based. Depending on which type you choose, your drying time will change. If you have a tight time schedule, then it is better to go with water-based paints. These paints have shorter drying times and when painted in thin coats in a room with good ventilation, you will be able to achieve great results in no time! According to Tony Adams (home improvement expert), water-based paints use water as a solvent, which evaporated much faster than oil, thus has a shorter drying time.

Most paints are usually water-based or oil-based

how to make paint dry faster painting wall with roller

These were some of the best methods, according to professionals, when it comes to how to make paint dry faster. We hope you found this article useful. Now you won’t have to wait hours on end for your paint to dry and you will save yourself a ton of time.

These were some of the best methods on how to make paint dry faster

gray paint on roller on wall

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John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.