Boost your curb appeal – Expert strategies for speedy exterior paint to dry
Although the idea of refreshing your walls with a new layer of exterior paint is exciting, waiting for the paint to fully dry can test your patience. While the painting task can be completed overnight, it is crucial to ensure the paint is thoroughly dry to enhance the overall outcome. However, how long does it take for the exterior paint to dry? Keep reading to learn how the type of paint and certain other factors contribute to the overall drying time.
How Long Does It Take For Exterior Paint To Dry?
- The drying time for exterior paint varies significantly and depends on the type of paint used. Unfortunately, there’s no universal drying time applicable to all scenarios, as each paint has its own drying time, and every project is different. While certain paints are formulated to dry quickly, others have longer drying times.
Let’s explore the drying time of different paint types:
Drying Time Of Latex Paint
- Latex paint is known for its quick drying time, making it a preferred choice for many. Typically, it can dry to the touch within 1 to 3 hours, depending on factors such as temperature and humidity. You can apply additional layers 3 to 5 hours after applying the initial coat. However, while latex paint dries quickly on the surface, its curing time is considerably longer.
Latex paint cures from the outside in, meaning it may feel dry to the touch long before it has fully hardened. The complete curing process for latex paint can take at least 14 days under ideal conditions. In less-than-optimal environments, this process might extend up to 30 days.
Drying Time Of Oil-Based Paint
- Oil-based paints have extended drying times. It typically requires approximately 6 to 8 hours to dry to the touch. This prolonged drying period poses challenges, as it makes it difficult to apply multiple coats in a single day.
Despite its longer drying time, oil paint cures faster than its alternative, taking 3 to 7 days. This quick curing time makes oil-based paint a preferred option for surfaces such as floors and trim.
Factors Influencing Exterior Paint Drying Time
- So, how quickly does exterior paint dry? Once again, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Several factors affect the drying time of exterior paint.
Here’s a rundown of each:
Temperature
- If the outdoor temperature isn’t within the right range, your paint will not dry effectively. If it is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, paint will take significantly longer to dry.
Conversely, if you’re painting your porch in the summer with temperatures exceeding 85 Fahrenheit, the excessive heat will cause the paint to dry too rapidly, preventing proper bonding with the surface. This can lead to a cracky, flaky paint job. Therefore, the optimal drying temperature range is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity
High humidity is not ideal for painting projects. If the humidity levels exceed 50%, it’s a sign to move away the brush and paint can. Weather conditions with humidity at or above 50% pose challenges for paint drying, hindering the drying process.
The high humidity prolongs the painting process and also affects the finish of your fresh paint, leading to less-than-desirable results.
Thickness
- The thickness of your paint coats can influence drying time. Different types of paint and application methods result in varying coat thicknesses, and thicker paints and coats require more time to dry properly.
Takeaway
- Several factors and the type of paint used influence the drying time of exterior paint. While there is no straightforward answer to how long it takes for exterior paint to dry, understanding these factors can help you plan your painting project more effectively.
Give your home the professional treatment it deserves with our exterior painting services. Experience Neat, Efficient, and Professional service with Miles Makarowski Painting! Call us today at (603) 489-8802 for a complimentary estimate. We are located in Atkinson, NH.