In a typical scenario, these paints will be touch dry in 4-6 hours and ready for you to apply a second coat in 16-24 hours. These paints are popular in kitchen and bathroom areas because they offer greater durability than a matt or satin emulsion – but that means they require longer drying times. Water based emulsions dry the quickest and you can expect them to be touch dry in roughly 1-2 hours, but don’t add a second coat for another four hours for the best finish because your roller or brush could still pick up the first coat and create streaks. The ideal drying temperature for most paints is about 21☌, so if it’s colder and more humid you need to recognise that the liquids in the paint or paste will evaporate more slowly. Obviously the ambient room temperature and humidity will be a major factor in drying time – a warm summer day with the windows open will allow paint or paste to dry much quicker than a cold and wet evening in January. Here’s our guide to paint drying times to help you plan your decorating schedule… Drying conditions We’re always talking about preparation and using the right tools for the job, but one factor you may not have considered is how long various paints and pastes take to dry before you can safely apply another coat. There are many decorating jobs you can take on yourself, including painting and wallpapering, but it’s always essential to follow the correct procedure to produce a professional finish.

How long does it take for paint to dry