What Is the Difference Between Paint Drying and Paint Curing

If you’re new to painting interiors or exteriors, you might assume that paint drying and paint curing are two sides of the same coin. Paint dries quickly, usually in a few hours, but it takes longer for it to cure.

At Hoover Paint, we have everything you need to complete your paint projects, including our high-quality Benjamin Moore Paint. Our expert paint specialists are here to help you learn more about paint drying, paint curing, and why both matter.

What Is Paint Drying?

Paint dries as solvents evaporate, leaving the coating dry to the touch. However, it hasn’t hardened yet, which means it can still smudge if you bump into it or put furniture back against the walls you just painted.

Paint drying usually takes only a few hours, but it depends on the type of paint you’re using. Usually, the average dry time is listed on the paint when you buy it, but the cure time isn't.

How Long Does It Take Paint to Dry?

Here’s how long it may take for different types of paints to dry:

• Water-Based Paint (Latex and Acrylic): 1-2 hours.
• Oil-Based Paint: 6-8 hours.
• Chalk Paint: 30 minutes to two hours.
  

What Is Paint Curing?

Paint curing is when the paint has reached its maximum hardness and is completely dry. It’s nearly impossible to smudge. Before, it likely had a plastic-like feel, but once it’s fully cured, that underlying softness is gone.

How Long Does It Take Paint to Cure?

As with dry time, the time it takes for paint to cure varies by the type of paint you select. Unlike the dry time, it doesn’t take hours to cure; it takes days:

• Water-Based Paint (Latex and Acrylic): 21-30 days.
• Oil-Based Paint: 3-7 days.
• Chalk Paint: 21-30 days.

To test whether your paint cured, use your fingernail or a knife in an inconspicuous location to check the coating. If it leaves a mark, it’s not cured.

Other Factors That Impact Paint Dry and Cure Times

However, several other factors can make paint curing and drying take longer or a little less time, including:

• Painting prep actions.
• Environmental factors, like high humidity, can increase the time. 
• Level of paint thickness.
• Type of surface, such as wood, metal, concrete, or drywall.
• Type of paint sheen or finish.
• Number of coats.
• Style of color, for instance, darker colors with high-loading pigmentation take longer than lighter colors.

Why Does Paint Curing Time Matter?

Allowing your paint to cure matters because it adds to the durability. For example, if you let your paint cure for the appropriate time, especially in high-traffic areas like playrooms, mud rooms, or entryways, it will make your paint project more durable and easier to clean.

Visit Our Paint Shops Near Murfreesboro, TN

When you’re ready to start on your next painting projects, our team at Hoover Paint can help. We can help you make sure you have the right tools and help you color-match paint chips to get the perfect shade.

Contact us online or call (615) 893-5756 to speak with our painting specialists. Hoover Paint proudly serves Murfreesboro, TN, and the surrounding area, including Christiana, Lascassas, Rockvale, and Plainview.