How Long Does Acrylic Paint Take To Dry? (For All Surfaces)

If you have a new DIY project coming up, you might be asking how long will it take for acrylic paint take to dry?

The exact drying time will depend on the brand of the paint and the painting surface. We will cover all the details in this guide so you can easily plan and get painting.

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Acrylic Paint Drying Time (For Common Surfaces)

How long acrylic paint takes to dry? The porous surface you are painting will affect the drying time.

Here are some common surfaces and how long it takes for acrylic paints dry on porous surfaces and others:

Acrylic Paints On Wood
It typically takes about 20-30 minutes to dry on a wood surface, depending on the thickness of the paint and the humidity in the environment.
However, it can take up to several hours for the paint to fully cure and become resistant to smudging or scratching. It is important to wait until the paint is completely dry before applying additional coats or handling the painted surface to avoid damaging the paint
Acrylic Paint On Fabric or Clothes
It can typically take about 24 hours to dry on fabric or clothes. However, the drying time can be affected by several factors such as the thickness of the paint, the humidity and temperature of the environment, and the type of fabric or surface being painted on.
It is important to allow the paint to fully dry before washing or wearing the garment to prevent smudging or cracking of the paint. Heat setting the paint with an iron or dryer can also help speed up the drying process and improve the paint's durability.
Acrylic Paints On Canvas
A common question is, "How long does it take acrylic paint to dry canvas?" It usually takes 10 to 20 minutes on a primed surface, depending on the thickness of the paint, the humidity, and temperature of the room.
However, the actual drying time can vary depending on the type of acrylic paint, the brand, and the quality of the canvas. It is important to note that while the paint may feel dry to the touch, it can take several hours or even days for the paint to fully cure and become permanent.
It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before applying a second coat of paint or varnish.
Acrylic Paints On Glass
Typically take around 20-30 minutes to dry on glass surfaces. However, the exact drying time may depend on various factors such as humidity, temperature, and the thickness of the paint layer.
It is important to wait for the paint to completely dry before handling or touching the painted glass surface to avoid smudging or damaging the paint.
Additionally, using a sealant or varnish can help to protect the painted glass surface and increase its durability.
Acrylic Paint On Metal
These types of paints on metal typically take about 20 to 30 minutes to dry to the touch, but may take up to 24 hours to fully cure.
It's important to allow sufficient drying and curing time before handling or exposing the painted surface to harsh conditions.
Additionally, using a primer specifically designed for metal surfaces can help improve the adhesion and durability of the paint.
Acrylic Paint On Plastic
Dry, relatively quickly on plastic surfaces, typically within 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the paint and the conditions of the environment. This is because acrylic paint is water-based and dries through the evaporation of water.
However, it is important to note that while the surface may feel dry to the touch, it may take up to 24-48 hours for the paint to fully cure and adhere to the plastic surface.
It is recommended to avoid touching or using the painted plastic object during this curing period to prevent any damage or smudging.
Acrylic Painting On Cardboard
It can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours to dry on cardboard, depending on the thickness of the paint and the environmental conditions.
It is important to apply thin paint layers and allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next layer to avoid smudging or smearing.
Using a fan or air conditioner can help speed up the drying process, but care should be taken to avoid blowing dust or debris onto the wet paint. It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before handling or framing the painted cardboard.
Acrylic Painting On Wood
These types of paints are a popular choice for painting on wood surfaces because they dry quickly and are water-resistant once dry. The drying time of acrylic paints on wood can vary depending on the thickness of the paint, humidity, and temperature.
Generally, the paint will dry to the touch within 10-20 minutes, but it can take several hours or up to a day to fully dry and cure. To speed up the drying time, you can use a fan or a hair dryer on a low setting.
It's important to let the paint dry completely before applying additional coats or handling the surface to avoid smudging or damaging the paint.

Factors That Affect The Drying Time Of Acrylic Painting

Humidity

Humidity will make the paint take longer to dry. When there is more moisture in the air, it will get into the paint film and take longer to dry. You might want to consider using a dehumidifier or painting when humidity is under 85% so that the paint dries faster.

Temperature

Everyone asks, "Does acrylic paint dry faster in heat or cold?" High temperatures will speed up the drying process. Avoid overheating: It can create bubbles in the paint film.

However, you should not do outdoor paint on a very dry day because the paint might crack.

You can paint indoors, though, where there is air conditioning and you can control the room's temperature during paint drying process.

Air Circulation

Good air circulation will speed up the paint's drying time or paint's dry time. However, you shouldn't have the project directly under air conditioning units or under a heating duct. Overheating can create bubbles in the paint film.

Having it in the same room is fine, though. You can also open up some windows and turn on a ceiling fan to get air flowing.

Paint Thickness

Thicker layers of paint will always take longer to dry, and thin layers or thin coats will have shorter drying process times i.e. thin layer of paint dries faster. The paint layers also affect the drying period.

If you want to recoat the paint several times, you will have a project with a much longer drying time. Make sure you recoat slowly to have the best-looking project.

Surface Absorbency

Absorbent surfaces will always dry acrylic paint faster The material will absorb the moisture in the paint film and cause the paint to dry much faster.

You can always use a primer to get a more efficient drying period and to make the surface more absorbent. Primed surfaces will always dry faster.

How Long Does Acrylic Paint Take To Dry Between Coats?

The amount of time the paint can take to dry between coats depends on the how many coats and thickness of the coats, paint quality and the environment you are painting in. Coats of professional acrylic paint take about 10 to 20 minutes to dry.

Thicker coats can take an hour or two. Make sure the paint feels dry to the touch before you start applying the next coat.

If you apply the next coat too soon, the paint underneath might lift up or start to peel away. Allowing the layer to dry before applying the next one will also allow you to put multiple colors on top of one another.

Popular Acrylic Paint Brands And Their Actual Drying Times

Every paint brand has different drying periods. Here are the most common brands and how long they typically take to dry.

Paint Brand	Thick Coat Dry Time	Thin Coat Dry Time
Castle Art Supplies Acrylic Paint	1 hour to 3 days	10 to 20 minutes
Maimeri Acrylic Paint	1 hour to several days	10 to 20 minutes
Blick Studio Acrylic Paint	1 to 2 hours	20 to 30 minutes
Winsor & Newton Acrylic Paint	1 to 2 hours	20 to 30 minutes
Liquitex Acrylic Paint	1 hour to several days	10 to 20 minutes
Utrecht Acrylic Paint	1 hour to 3 days	10 to 20 minutes
Tri-Art Acrylic Paint	Several hours	5 minutes

Can I Speed Up & Slow Down Acrylic Paint Dry Time?

How can I make acrylic painting dry faster than oil based paint?

The best way to make acrylic paint dry faster than oil based paints is to paint in a dry and warm location. Low humidity and a slight wind might also help.

Some people also use heat lamps, hair dryers, or heat guns if the weather and humidity are not ideal.

You should also avoid thick layers of paint if you want a fast drying period. Thick layer takes longer time to dry.

If you want to slow drying acrylic paint, you can paint in a cool and damp location.

Some people need slow drying paints because they need to be able to mix paints on the canvas or make certain designs. You should also avoid fans and heaters near your workplace. This will allow slow drying acrylics by a few minutes.

If you need more than a few minutes for professional acrylic paint dry slower, you might want to use a slow drying mediums or wetting spray that can extend drying time. Wet palettes are ideal for taking an extended painting break.

For example, you add a paint retarder to the paint, or you can keep the paint stored in airtight containers rather than in its original packaging.

Acrylic Paint Drying FAQs

How can you tell if acrylic paint is dry?

If you touch the paint and it’s still cold or sticky, then the paint is not dry. Acrylic paint dries on the outside first because of evaporation process.

Does acrylic paint harden?

Yes, when acrylic paint dries completely, it will harden. This can take about 24 hours, but it will be dry to the touch in about 2 hours.

How long does acrylic paint last?

Most acrylic painting will last about 10 years. Different types of paint have different lifespans.

How do you seal acrylic paint?

To seal acrylic paint, you will need to apply a varnish. Make sure the paint is completely dry before you apply the sealer.

Final Thoughts

Acrylic paint can have various drying times depending on the painting surface and the brand of paint you are using.

Some can dry in as little as 10 minutes, and others will take hours to dry if you are using thick coats.