How Long Does Exterior Paint Take To Dry? (+ Speed It Up)

Before we take a closer look at just how long exterior paint takes to dry, it is worth noting the ways in which this is different from the interior paint job that you would use in your home.  

There is one main key difference that exists between exterior and interior painting, and this is the type of resins and additives that are used within each substance. 

Exterior will be made with more flexible resins - this allows it to handle the more extreme temperature changes which come with being outside. 

If the right paint is not used, a dramatic fall or increase in temperature can lead to paint contracting or expanding, resulting in cracks.  

In addition, exterior dye will also contain additives specially designed to help it resist fading, stick to rougher surfaces such as brick and stone, and stay resistant to mildew or molds. 

There also tend to be fewer color and finish choices for exterior painting or commercial painting services, with the majority of brands offering gloss enamel, flat and semi-gloss finishes.  

Exterior Dye also comes with higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than interior dye which can make it more hazardous. These VOCs are more common in oil-based exterior paints, and, as a result, this type is slowly starting to be phased out. 

Also See - What Is The Difference Between Interior and Exterior Paint? 

You can use exterior dye for tackling a range of paint project and surfaces on the outside of your home, including painting bricks, stone or masonry, adding color to wooden siding or fences, or sprucing up doors and porches to give them a new lease of life. 

Exterior paints can also be used for brightening up trims and, in some cases, can also be suitable for fences and metalwork.

However, it is important to select a product that is designed for this specific need and intention. Exterior paint should not be used indoors due to the chemicals that it contains.

One of the secrets to helping your exterior dye look its best and last for longer is to ensure that you leave adequate time between coats for the paint to dry or paint need to dry. 

For best results, most manufacturers will recommend that you wait for at least 24 hours before you apply another coat to the first one - this will ensure that the wet paint is 100% dry and reduce the risk of any smudges. 

Patience is key here - while it can be tempting to race ahead and get your second coat of wet paint applied as quickly as possible, this will damage the first coat and leave the overall surface lumpy, cracked, and discolored. 

Applying the second coat of paint too quickly also increases the risk of the paint starting to peel off, and this can leave the surface looking super uneven. 

In most cases, many brands will advise that you apply two coats of paint job, and you should avoid the temptation to make these too thick. 

Applying your paint in thinner layers will give you greater control over the final result and will also speed up the drying time. Taking it slowly and evenly will improve your overall results, so resist the urge to rush. 

There are a number of factors that can impact paint dries and paint cure time, and some of the most common include: 

Many manufacturers will mark their products with ideal temperature ranges, and applying paint while the outside temperature is within this range will help you obtain the best possible results.

Both extremes of temperature can impact your final result- painting when it is hot means that the paint is less likely to stick, as paint to dry before it really has a chance to adhere. High temperatures also cause the paint to bubble and flake, ruining the whole look. 

When the weather is cold, it can take far longer for paint to dry, and this can be frustrating if you are waiting to apply your second coat. It is also a good idea to check your local forecast for rain or light rain, and avoid painting if it is cold or raining. 

Humidity is another factor that can impact your exterior painting, and this refers to the levels of moisture that are in the air.

High humidity levels will mean that your paint takes longer to dry and increase the risk of streaks and drips. If the high humidity in the air is above 50%, it is a good idea to hold off painting. 

The wind can also play its part in drying exterior dye; if the high humidity in the air is low, and a breeze is present, you can enjoy the ideal combination for faster, more effective drying. 

Avoid painting if winds get too high, however - not only can this be dangerous, but it can also cause ripples after the paint dries 

The thickness of the paint also plays a part in the drying time - the thicker the paint, the longer it takes to dry. 

As we mentioned, most paints like oil-based paints take longer for paint to dry than their latex counterparts, so take this into account. 

Sometimes, you may need to get your exterior project painted and dried more quickly, but realize that incoming weather or circumstances are not on your side.

There are a few techniques that you can use to help you speed up the process of drying exterior dye, and these include: 

By gaining a better understanding of how exterior paint works, what it is made for, and how to use it, you can enjoy a better answer to the question  "how fast does exterior paint dry?" 

The short answer is that you should aim for 24 hours between coats, but if you are looking for something a little faster, latex-based paints should be your first option over oil-based brands.