Innovative spray paint has made at-home paint projects more effortless than ever, but DIYers still have to wait for the paint to dry.
Although traditional brushes result in thick, uneven layers of paint that can take days to dry, spray cans disperse aerosolized paint in a fine spray with just the touch of a nozzle.
Spray paint’s thinner, more even coats dry much faster than standard applications, but what’s the fastest way to dry spray paint? Read on to find out!
The 4 Important Stages Of Drying

How Long Does Spray Paint Take To Dry? (By Paint Type & Surface)
Factors That Can Affect Paint Drying Time

How To Check If Paint Is Fully Cured
Remember that curing almost always takes longer than one would expect. Although just 30 minutes to a few hours is how long it takes for most types of paint to dry between coats, fully cured paint can take up to 60 days.
For best results, be sure to read all paint instructions carefully and learn how long to let primer dry before spray painting—generally overnight, or 24 hours.
If you’ve applied both paint and primer properly, curing generally takes about 3 weeks. Fully cured paint will be dry to the touch, can be wiped with a cloth without smearing, and will not smell of paint.
To check, we recommend pressing a fingernail into an inconspicuous corner of the painted surface. If an imprint remains, the paint needs to continue curing.
Spray Paint Drying Time FAQs
How long does Rustoleum brand spray paint take to dry?
Although specialty Rustoleum sprays may have different dry-times, 15 minutes to touch and 24 hours for a thorough dry is average.
Is it dangerous to spray paint indoors?
Yes, but particularly without proper ventilation and safety gear. Aerosolized solvents and paint fumes can wreak havoc on painters’ lungs, and consider how long is spray paint toxic for, specifically 2 - 3 days for fumes, or until fully cured.
How long does spray paint stay in the air?
Without proper ventilation or an outdoor workspace, spray paint fumes can linger for two to three days. Never loiter in a painted space without a proper respirator mask as the fumes stay in the system for a long time.
Can you use a heat gun to dry spray paint?
Yes! You can use a heat gun to dry spray paint, but be mindful of chemical-based paints that may be flammable.
We recommend sticking to a lower temperature, between 86 - 260 degrees Fahrenheit, and carefully drying the surface in slow strokes while holding the gun at a safe distance from the surface.
How can I speed up the drying process?
The best way to speed up spray paint drying time is a heat gun. But for how to speed up spray paint drying, you can also use a hairdryer as a low-tech substitute.
And if you’re looking for a simple way of how to dry spray paint fast, using essential products such as ventilation fans and a dehumidifier in your workshop is sure to help.
Conclusion
With so many paints, primers, and surfaces to choose from, it can be hard to find one standard rule of thumb for how long to let spray paint dry. By researching your choice of paint and surface carefully and following our guidelines, your coats are sure to dry in a flash. Spray on!