If you’ve ever worked with acrylic paint whether on canvas, wood, plastic, or walls, you’ve probably wondered: how long does it take acrylic paint to dry? While acrylic is known for being fast-drying, the exact time can vary based on several factors like surface, thickness, temperature, and humidity.
Whether you’re a beginner artist, a DIY enthusiast, or repainting furniture, understanding acrylic paint’s drying time is essential for getting smooth results and avoiding smudges, cracks, or sticky surfaces. Let’s break it down.
Short Answer:
Acrylic paint typically dries to the touch within 20 to 30 minutes, but a full cure can take up to 24 hours or more, depending on the application.
Factors That Affect Drying Time
1. Paint Thickness
- Thin layers (glazing or washes): Dry in 10–20 minutes.
- Moderate layers: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Thick impasto applications: Several hours to a full day (or longer).
The thicker the layer, the more time it needs to dry and cure completely.
2. Surface Material
- Canvas or paper: Dries faster due to porosity.
- Wood: Also fast-drying, especially if unsealed.
- Plastic, glass, or metal: Slower drying since non-porous surfaces don’t absorb moisture.
Always prep slick surfaces with a primer to help paint adhere and dry evenly.
3. Temperature
- Ideal temperature: 65°F–75°F (18°C–24°C).
- Cooler temperatures (<50°F or 10°C): Slows drying.
- Higher temperatures (>85°F or 29°C): Speeds up drying, but may cause cracking if too fast.
Acrylic paint dries via evaporation, so ambient heat speeds things up.
4. Humidity
- Low humidity: Faster drying, especially in arid climates.
- High humidity: Slower drying because moisture evaporates more slowly.
If you’re painting in a humid area (like a bathroom), give the paint extra time before touching or recoating.
5. Airflow
- A fan or open window helps paint dry faster by circulating air.
- Still, stagnant air (like in a closed garage) can slow drying.
Touch Dry vs. Cure Time
Touch Dry: When the surface feels dry and no paint comes off when you lightly touch it. This usually happens within 20–30 minutes for thin layers.
Fully Cured: When all moisture has evaporated and the paint has hardened completely—this can take 24 to 72 hours or longer, especially on non-porous surfaces or with thicker applications.
Why It Matters:
- Recoating too soon can cause lifting or peeling.
- Sealing before full cure can trap moisture and cause cloudiness or stickiness.
Acrylic Paint Drying Times by Brand (Average)
| Brand | Touch Dry | Fully Cured |
|---|---|---|
| Liquitex Basics | 10–20 minutes | 24 hours |
| Golden Heavy Body | 30–60 minutes | 2–3 days |
| Apple Barrel (craft) | 15–30 minutes | 1–2 days |
| FolkArt | 20–30 minutes | 24–48 hours |
| Arteza Acrylics | 15–25 minutes | 24–36 hours |
Always check your specific product label for manufacturer recommendations.
How to Make Acrylic Paint Dry Faster
If you’re in a rush or working in layers, try these tips:
- Use thinner coats: Apply multiple light layers instead of one thick one.
- Improve airflow: Use a fan or paint near an open window.
- Add heat: Use a hair dryer on a low setting or a space heater in the room.
- Use fast-drying mediums: Some acrylic mediums accelerate drying time.
How to Slow Down Drying Time (For Artists)
Sometimes you don’t want acrylics to dry too quickly—especially when blending colors on a canvas. Here’s how to keep your paint workable longer:
- Use a wet palette: Keeps your paint moist.
- Add a retarder medium: Slows down drying.
- Mist your palette: A fine spray of water keeps paint from skinning over.
- Work in a humid room: Or use a humidifier nearby.
Dry Time by Surface Type
| Surface | Touch Dry Time | Fully Cured Time |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas | 15–30 minutes | 24 hours |
| Paper | 10–20 minutes | 12–24 hours |
| Wood | 20–30 minutes | 24–48 hours |
| Plastic | 30–60 minutes | 48–72 hours |
| Glass/Metal | 45–90 minutes | 2–3 days |
| Fabric (heat set required) | 30 minutes + heat set | 72 hours |
Tip: On slick surfaces like plastic or glass, allow longer drying and curing time and use a primer or paint made specifically for that surface.
How Long Should You Wait Between Coats?
For the best results, wait at least 30 to 60 minutes between coats of acrylic paint. If you’re applying a varnish or sealant, wait a full 24–48 hours to ensure the paint is completely cured.
Common Mistakes with Acrylic Paint Drying
- Applying too thick: Thick layers take days to dry and can crack.
- Sealing too soon: Can cause cloudiness or a sticky surface.
- Touching before fully dry: Leads to fingerprints or smudges.
- Not adjusting for the surface: Non-porous surfaces dry more slowly.
- Ignoring humidity and temperature: These can drastically change dry times.
Final Thoughts
Acrylic paint dries quickly—but how fast depends on how you use it. While most surfaces will feel dry to the touch within 20–30 minutes, a full cure often takes 24 to 72 hours. Factors like temperature, humidity, paint thickness, and surface type all play a role.
Whether you’re finishing a DIY furniture makeover or painting your next masterpiece, understanding these variables helps you plan better and achieve smoother, longer-lasting results.
So next time you’re working with acrylics, don’t rush it. Give it the time it needs, and you’ll be rewarded with a professional finish every time.
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