How Long Does It Take For Paint To Dry?

When starting a painting project, knowing how long it takes for paint to dry and fully cure is important for getting great results. Factors like paint type, weather, and technique all play a role in creating a smooth, durable finish. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about paint drying and curing times, especially in Calgary’s seasonal climate.

Paint Drying Vs. Paint Curing – Understanding The Difference

Before diving into specifics, it’s important to understand the difference between paint drying and the curing process. Paint drying refers to the time it takes for the surface to feel dry to the touch as the solvents evaporate. The curing process is when the paint coating fully hardens, reaches maximum hardness, and is ready for regular use. While paint may feel dry in a few hours, it can take days or even weeks to become completely cured.

How Long It Takes For Different Paints To Dry And Cure

The type of paint you use directly impacts how long it takes to dry and cure. Each paint type has unique properties, and understanding these differences can help you plan your painting project better.

Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paints are known for their durability but have longer drying and curing times. Typically, they take 6-8 hours to feel dry to the touch and need about 24 hours before applying a second coat. The cure time for oil-based paints ranges from 7-30 days, depending on environmental conditions.

Latex Paint

Latex paint is a popular choice for interior walls because it dries faster and is easier to work with. Latex paint usually feels dry within 1 hour, but it’s best to wait at least 4 hours before applying the next coat. The curing process can take 14-30 days, allowing the paint to reach maximum hardness.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint dries quickly, often within 30 minutes to 1 hour, and is ready for a second coat in 2-4 hours. Its cure time is similar to latex paint, taking about 14-30 days to be completely dry and fully cured.

Factors That Affect Paint Drying And Curing Times

Several factors influence how long it takes paint to dry and cure. Being aware of these can help you avoid delays or issues with your final coat:

Humidity

High humidity slows the evaporation of solvents, leading to longer drying times. Calgary’s seasons can bring a mix of dry winter air and rainy or humid spring weather, so always check conditions before starting your project. Too much moisture in the air can prevent paint from drying properly.

Temperature

Temperature plays a significant role in paint drying times. Most paints work best in temperatures between 10°C and 29°C. Calgary’s hot summers and cold winters mean you’ll need to plan your painting projects carefully. Avoid painting when it’s too hot or too cold, as extreme temperatures can prevent paint from curing properly.

Ventilation

Good airflow ensures that solvents evaporate efficiently, helping paint dry faster. When painting indoors, open windows or use fans to improve air circulation. Poor ventilation can trap water vapour, slowing down both the drying and curing process.

Technique

How you apply the paint can make a big difference. Thin, even layers dry faster and cure more effectively than thick coats. Using high-quality tools, such as brushes or rollers, also ensures a smoother finish. Following the manufacturer’s directions for recoat times will help avoid problems like an uneven finish.

How To Make Paint Dry Faster

If you’re in a hurry, there are simple ways to speed up the drying process without sacrificing the quality of your paint job.

Proper Technique

Start by preparing a clean, dry surface. Apply thin, even coats of paint, as thick coats take much longer to dry. Wait until the first coat is dry before applying the next coat—usually around 4 to 6 hours for latex and acrylic paints. Avoid rushing to apply a final coat, as this can lead to problems like cracking or an uneven finish.

Proper Ventilation

Good ventilation is essential for speeding up the drying process. Open windows, use fans, and/or even run air conditioning to keep air circulating. Proper ventilation helps solvents evaporate and ensures the painted surface dries evenly.

Using The Right Paint

Choose paint designed for faster drying times. Water-based paints, like latex and acrylic, are a great option for most projects. Read the labels on your paint cans to confirm drying times and ideal conditions for application. These paints are also easier to work with in Calgary’s varied climate.

Controlling Environmental Factors

You can use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the air during humid conditions or a heater to maintain a stable temperature during colder months. These tools can help ensure the paint dries and cures properly, even in less-than-ideal conditions. Always avoid overheating the painted surface, which can cause damage.

Looking For The Right Paint For Calgary? Call Earl’s Paintworks!

Choosing the right paint and applying it correctly makes all the difference, especially in Calgary’s changing climate. Whether you’re starting a DIY painting project or need help from experienced professionals, Earl’s Paintworks is here for you. As trusted Calgary painters, we understand how environmental conditions like snow, heat, and humidity can affect your paint’s drying and curing process.

Get in touch today to schedule your next painting project. Let’s ensure your paint job not only looks fantastic but lasts for years to come!

Bethany Gettis
Bethany Gettis
1738352608
I was incredibly impressed with Earl and his crew! I typically don’t hire contractors without a personal recommendation, but after getting three different quotes, Earl stood out. He took the time to understand exactly what I needed, offered a fair price, and confidently estimated the entire job would take just four days.In January 2025, Earl and his team repainted my entire four-bedroom home, and they delivered exactly as promised—completing the job in just four days. The team were professional, personable, and went above and beyond, even taking care of extra details that weren’t part of the original quote. Earl’s efficiency, attention to detail, and commitment to quality were evident from start to finish, including a thorough cleanup at the end.I wouldn’t hesitate to hire Earl again for future projects, and I now highly recommend him and his team to family and friends!
Fayaz Ladha
Fayaz Ladha
1736913213
Earl and his team did a fantastic job of painting my whole house and it only took 2 days! He gave the sharpest quote and his team provided excellent and professional service. I would recommend his services to anyone.
Michel Bourque
Michel Bourque
1732768880
We got Earl and his team to completely redo our main and upstairs level. Baseboards, window and door trims, as well as paint the entire house, kitchen and bathroom vanity’s. Him and his team showed up on time, completely masked the house in 3 days and completed the work in the time quoted. Very helpful with ideas and problem solving. Earl’s carpenter also came in to do the wood work around the house, also part of the quote with very competitive pricing (best price out of 3 quotes even with extra work added on). Will hire Earl for all my future inside and outside paint jobs. Thanks again guys, you did an incredible job.
Kevin Hopkin
Kevin Hopkin
1732250721
Earl and his team were great to work with. They completed the job faster than I could have thought possible, while maintaining top quality. The finished product is exactly what I hoped for. I highly recommend them for any future job.
Judy C
Judy C
1724282846
Earl and his crew did a great job painting the trim on our home. There were challenges in trying to reach the height in some very tight spaces, however Earl provided a solution that no-one else had identified that was efficient, effective and the job was done at a very fair price. We would highly recommend.
Jesus Fuenmayor
Jesus Fuenmayor
1723650246
Earl did a great job painting our place. We were on a rush since we wanted to get the place painted and the ceiling updated (we wanted to go from a popcorn texture to flat) before moving in and he did a great job accommodating time to finalize the job within the required time with an excellent result. I recommend his services 100%.
Thomas Stevens
Thomas Stevens
1722559995
Earl and his team did a phenomenal job painting our house. The team was professional, courteous, and completed the work in one day! Highly recommend Earl’s Paintworks for all of your painting needs!
Pamela Vigneault
Pamela Vigneault
1699856994
We hired Earl and his crew to paint the baseboards & walls of our basement. He is very good at answering emails and texts. Also is punctual when meeting for quotes and doing the work. I specifically wanted our baseboards lacquered and NOT brush or roller painted. It cost more, but the results speak for themselves. The basement was left clean and the furniture well covered. Great work from this company. Would recommend
Lorraine Townsend
Lorraine Townsend
1691341714
Recently Earl painted the exterior of our house. The structure was very challenging and needed an enormous amount of prep work. Earl and his crew showed up every day on time and went full tilt for 4 days to get all the prep and painting done. The paint was all brushed and rolled.They were very professional and it was obvious that they take pride in their work.I did have trouble deciding on the colours and after a couple of stressful months, I followed up with a colour consultant that Earl recommended. It was money well spent and we are very pleased with how it turned out.I would not hesitate to recommend Earl and his crew.
Warren
Warren
1676676301
Earl and his team helped me dramatically improve the interior of a recently purchased 1960 Bungalow. They prepped and painted the main level completely (ceiling, walls, windows, door jams, etc.) and did some painting in basement as well. Easy to work with from the start to finish. Great job, on time, and at a reasonable price. I highly recommend Earl’s Paintworks. I will most likely be using their services again soon!
Jenn Balderston
Jenn Balderston
1603046794
Earl is the best in the business! We hired Earl to paint the exterior of our 106 year-old heritage home that was in disrepair. Our house is a craftsman bungalow that required highly detailed workmanship. Because of the uniqueness of the house, and its heritage value, we were nervous to hire the job out to just anyone. We met with a number of companies and Earl's Paintworks stood tall above the rest. We loved that Earl was an owner/operator and knew after talking to him that he'd take great care with our beloved home. We weren't wrong! Earl and Jeremy were meticulous - sanding every nook and cranny to ensure a perfect finish that would stand the test of time. We wanted a tri-colour scheme to show off the home's craftsmanship, which required a lot of taping, cutting, and intricate work. Our neighbours would stop by to compliment Earl and Jeremy - blown away by the precision and quality of their work. Both my fiancé and I were sad to see them leave. Earl and Jeremy had become fast friends, always making time to stop and visit with us (despite putting in long days of hard labour). Couldn't recommend them enough! If you are looking for a painter, do yourself a favour, and stop here.
Julie Sontag
Julie Sontag
1594175437
We recently hired Earl's Paintworks to repaint the entire interior of a newly-purchased home and could not be more pleased with the quality of the work and exceptional service provided from start to finish. We were on a very tight timeline & Earl (the owner) and Jeremy showed up ready to work 30 minutes after we took possession of the house. They put in long hours to finish the job in only 8.5 days, despite the fact that it was a massive project (3 storey house with over 30 windows/doors to paint around and some 20ft ceilings). The care they took to cover our hardwood floors, carpeting and cabinetry was remarkable - not a drop of paint left anywhere it didn't belong.Earl was truly a pleasure to work with, responded to our questions in a timely & friendly fashion, and provided knowledgeable (and realistic) advice on different finishes and colour options. He even went above and beyond to point out some small repairs that needed to be addressed around the house which was helpful to us as new owners. We had 4 different companies quote on the job and chose Earl's Paintworks based on a gut feeling that Earl was the right choice. Very happy with our decision - so much so that we're hoping to have them back this summer to do the exterior of our house as well.We would recommend Earl's Paintworks to anyone without hesitation. If you're looking for a hardworking, locally-owned company to do an efficient, professional, super high quality job, this is it!
Ken Cheung
Ken Cheung
1592352771
We wanted the interior and doors repainted in our home in preparation for selling. We obtained a couple of quotes from painters. We ended up choosing Earl due to our positive interactions with him.This is a small but very professional company. It was good to work with a smaller company where the person painting your home is the actual owner and therefore, someone who took full responsibility for the work. Earl was very helpful with colour suggestions. He was easy to communicate with via both emails, phone calls and text. Earl was a perfectionist. He finished our 2 level 2000 sq ft home in about 6 full days. He came a few weeks later to do the exterior doors (garage and entry) when the weather was warmer.I would not hesitate to recommend Earl's Paintworks.
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