If you’re wondering how to make spray paint dry faster, this guide can help you get all your answers. Spray paint comes in a convenient spray bottle that can be easily applied evenly to all kinds of different surfaces.
Many people doing DIY projects choose it because it’s easy to use and doesn’t require as much work as getting paint brushes.
If you are in a crunch to finish a project, you might be wondering what can make acrylic spray paint dry faster.
1. The first tip is to applying thin coats or light coats or thin layers. Thick coats of paint take to dry longer time, and they also make the paint have a tacky look and feel.
A common recommendation, particularly for those who are new to using spray paint, is to begin with a thin layer or thin coats of paint to avoid producing an unsatisfactory finish, particularly when it needs to apply multiple coats.
2. You can also use solvent or paint thinner to alter the thickness. Paint thinners are usually used to remove paint from surfaces, but when mixed in the appropriate proportion, they can catalyze to speed up paint drying. Try using your entire hand and wrist to multiple paint coats the surface evenly with a thin coat.
3. You might also want to postpone your painting for a day with less humidity. Make sure the humidity outside is 40 to 70% for optimal drying times.
4. Try turning on a fan on on medium speed in the room you are working in so that there is more ventilation. If you don’t have a fan, you can also run a fan near the surface you are working on.
5. You can also try running a hairdryer lightly over the surface to make it dry quickly.
6. If you want to paint outside, you can wait until there is a nice sunny day for curing spray paint to complete your project. Using spray outdoors is also safer because of the fumes and toxins.
7. You can turn up the heat in your house or use a small space heater. Set up the space heater or heat lamps so it's pointing at the object you spray painted. Running a heater won't necessarily reduce the dry time by a lot, but it should shave off a couple of hours.
8. Wait for each paint coat to dry before applying the next one. This can help prevent the paint layer blending and creating an uneven finish.
9. Use a drying accelerator spray. These sprays contain solvents that can help evaporate the moisture in the paint and dry it faster.
10. Elevate the painted item to allow air to circulate underneath. This can help the paint dry faster and prevent the item from sticking to the surface it's resting on.
How Long Does It Take For Spray Paint To Dry? (Popular Materials)
How long does spray paint take to dry? Long spray paint takes to dry at least a few hours to dry completely.
Long does spray paints or enamel paints depends on its consistency. Some spray paint take 24 hours to dry, so you need to give yourself a few days to complete a spray paint project made with spray paint indoors or painting indoors and outdoors.
Certain materials will take longer for spray paint to dry than others, though, so keep this in mind when you are choosing the surface you want to paint.
Most wooden surfaces will take about an hour or two to dry. You can use furniture polish (wax based polish) after painting. Furniture polish will give a smooth and shiny finish to your painting job or paint job.
Metal is one of the fastest drying surfaces, and you can make have a fully dried coat of paint in as little as 10 minutes if it's sunny outside.
Glass can be spray painted with spray paint, but you need to make sure you are allowing plenty of drying time between coats/ multiple coats or it will become watery and run. Paint on glass can take up to 24 hours to dry.
Rubber takes much longer to dry than the other surfaces or plastic surfaces. Sometimes spray paint take 24 hours or longer.
Factors That Affect Spray Paint Drying Times
Temperature
The temperature of the room you are painting in will affect the drying time. Spray paint dries quickly in 65 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Sun does not make spray paint dry faster, and it can actually damage the properties of the paint.
It can dry faster in colder temperatures, but apply spray paint in too cold weather means below freezing temperatures can make the paint freeze. Many paint types, including most spray paint brands, contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are dangerous to breathe.
Material
Metal surfaces dry spray paint faster. Cardboard, though, can take several hours to dry instead of spray paint dry instantly because the spray painting will absorb into the spray painted surface.
Spray painting on glass can be difficult because the paint will run, but it doesn’t take too long to dry as the spray painting can dry in 15 to 30 minutes. Spray painting on wood can take an hour or two to dry. Rubber also takes a long time to dry spray painting at 2 hours or more.
Wind Speed
The wind might make the wet paint dry faster, but it can damage your work. Try to only work in light wind conditions, or you might see that the too much paint runs much easier when there are heavy wind conditions. The wind can also decrease drying process time by bringing down the outside temperature.
Humidity
If you're painting in high humidity It will take longer for the paint to dry in hotter temperatures. This is because the extra moisture in the air circulation makes the water stay inside the paint. On the other hand, low humidity can help speed up the drying process and spray paint drying times since there is less water in the air circulation.
Paint Thickness
Thick paint will always dry slower than thin paint. The extra pigment in the paint makes the drying time much longer. Thin paint can dry in as little as a few minutes since there is less pigment that needs to dry.
Type of Spray Paint
Water-based paint will also dry faster than oil based spray paint. If you are looking for ways to speed up the paint drying time, you might want to choose water-based paint to make sure your project is completed when you need it.
Spray Paint Drying Stages (Dry Time Vs. Cure Time Explained)
Spray paint dry time goes through several different drying stages that are important to know about.
Surface Dry
This is when the solvent of the paint completely evaporates. It does not mean it's completely dry, though, and it will still be spray paint sticky if you touch it. You also don't want to apply a second coat yet in this stage. You can use a toaster oven to dry paint. Cure spray paint in a toaster oven is one of the fastest ways to completely fix spray paint in very few hours.
Touch Dry
This is when the paint is dry to touch. You should be able to touch it without sticking it to your finger. It might still be hard to apply second coats at this time, though.
Hard Dry
At this stage, the spray paint’s top layer will be hard and will not come off or peel. You might still want to give it another day or so before sitting on it or using it if it’s a piece of furniture. You can also use wax based furniture polish. The wax based furniture polish will create a moisture barrier. Wipe out the excess polish with drop cloth or soft rag.
Thorough Dry (Fully Cured)
The entire surface will be dry at this time, and the object can be used. You can cure spray paint when the solvents have left the film and go into the air. This is what makes the paint’s exterior tough.
Making Spray Paint Dry Faster FAQs
How fast does Rustoleum spray paint dry?
Rustoleum paint will usually fully dry in 24 hours. It will dry tack-free in as little as 2 to 4 hours, though. You can always follow the drying tips above if you need it to be ready to use before a full 24 hours.
What should you do when spray paint stays tacky?
If your spray paint is staying tacky it means it has not thoroughly dried. One way to fix it is to sprinkle a light coating of dusting powder over the surface you painted. Rub the powder with your hand gently. You can also use a primer before painting the surface to ensure it does not get as tacky.
Is it faster to spray or roll paint?
Paint rolling is always slower than spraying. Rolling does have some advantages of its own, though, such as allowing you to lay down a thicker coat. Rolling paint is also better for some surfaces, such as the walls of your home.
What is the best fast-drying spray paint?
One of the best spray paint brands known for fast-drying spray paint is Krylon 1602. It’s a type of enamel paint that you can get in a gloss or matte finish. It’s also best to use it on metal or wood surfaces.
Can you dry spray paint with a heat gun?
You can dry spray paint with a heat gun, but you need to make sure you are using it correctly. Don't set the temperature too high. Most heat guns always have a low setting, so you can make sure you keep it on this setting when using it.
Conclusion
Spray paint is a great way to add your own touch to a DIY project. It’s easier to use and requires fewer materials than regular paint with brushes and tools.