Oil-based enamel paint takes around 6 hours to dry between coats and 48 hours to cure (fully dry). Water-based enamel paint takes around 2 hours to dry between coats and 8 hours to cure (fully dry).
The exact dry time depends on the room humidity and temperature, surface type and preparation, and the number of coats.
How Long Does Enamel Paint Take To Dry Between Coats?
Oil-based enamel paint takes around 6 hours to dry between coats, while water-based enamel paint takes around 2 hours.
The exact dry time depends on the room temperature, humidity levels, and surface type and preparation.
Water-based enamel paint dries faster as it has water as its solvent, and water evaporates from the coating faster.
If you re-coat enamel paint too soon, the next coating won’t stick properly and will prevent the existing coating from fully drying, leading to a sticky finish.
For the paint to dry, the solvent must evaporate from the coating. Once the solvent (water or oil) evaporates, the coating becomes rigid and compact enough to withstand a new coating.
How Long Does Enamel Paint Take To Cure (Fully Dry)?
Oil-based enamel paint takes around 48 hours to cure (fully dry), while water-based enamel paint takes around 8 hours.
The paint cure time refers to the duration it takes paint to fully dry, harden, and reach its maximum durability, protection, and adhesion.
Different enamel paint types have different curing times. Oil-based enamel paint cures slower as its paint solvent (oil) evaporates slower than water.
The paint-curing process starts after the solvent has evaporated. After the solvent evaporation, the coating starts to polymerize (or cross-link) and cure.
How To Make Enamel Paint Dry Faster?
To make enamel paint dry faster, do the following things.
- Use a Heater and Dehumidifier.
- Use a Hairdryer.
- Use Japan Drier.
1. Use a Heater and Dehumidifier
To make enamel paint dry faster, expose its coating to increased heat and lower the room humidity levels which accelerates the solvent evaporation process.
To increase the heat around the coating and lower the humidity levels, use a heater and dehumidifier.
The paint solvent will evaporate faster once the temperature increases and the room humidity levels decrease.
To speed up the enamel paint drying time with a heater and dehumidifier, do the following things.
- Turn on the heater. The heater will increase the temperature (or heat) around the coating and make the solvent evaporate faster.
- Turn on the Dehumidifier. The dehumidifier decreases the room humidity and moisture levels. Keep the dehumidifier running until the paint fully dries. The recommended humidity levels are 40-50%.
2. Use a Hair Dryer
A hairdryer will also increase the heat around the coating, making the solvent evaporate faster.
To use a hairdryer to speed up the paint drying time, do the following things.
- Plug in and turn on the hairdryer.
- Hover the hairdryer across the coating. The hair dryers shouldn’t come in contact with the coating. Keep moving the hairdryer over the coating for up to 5 minutes.
- Turn off and unplug the hairdryer.
Don’t fully dry paint with a hairdryer as it will make the coating dry too fast, which leads to a cracked finish. If the paint dries too fast, the paint particles won’t have enough time to harden naturally, so their bond will be weak.
3. Use Japan Drier
Japan drier is an additive that contains naphtha and metallic salt which increase the oxidative drying process in oil-based paints, such as enamel paint.
To use a japan drier to speed up enamel paint drying time, do the following.
- Apply the Japanese drier to the surface and let it work its magic.
- Inspect and touch up the drier based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Other tips and methods to make paint dry faster are listed below.
- Applying thin coats. Thin or light coats will dry faster than thick coats.
- Allowing proper ventilation. Before you paint, open all doors and windows to allow air to circulate. This speeds up the process of evaporation.
- Paint early in the day so you can take advantage of the hot afternoon temperature
- Let existing coats cure before re-coating. This prevents the paint from being tacky or sticky.
- Turn on fans to circulate air in the room.
Tip: The best way to improve the drying time of water-based enamel is to reduce moisture in the room. For oil-based enamel, the best way is to increase the heat in the room.
How Long Must Enamel Paint Dry Before Rain?
Enamel paint must dry for at least one (1) week before exposing its finish to rain. If the finish is exposed to rainfall too soon, it will get washed off.
While enamel paint has a glossy and moisture-resistant coating, it wouldn’t last long if exposed to constant water. You must seal the paint with a water-resistant sealer coating to increase its durability.
A sealer, such as exterior polyurethane, will produce a glossy and moisture-resistant layer over the coating and protect the finish from moisture, water, and other outdoor elements.
Does Enamel Paint Dry Hard?
Enamel paint does dry hard as it’s designed to withstand heavy use, dents, or moisture. Its hardness is due to its formula and thick flow.
Its hard finish protects the surface underneath but makes painting over it harder. Since enamel paint has a glossy finish, it’s harder for other paints to penetrate it or stick over it.
You can thin enamel paint before applying it if you don’t want a thick and hard finish. Thinning will reduce the paint flow, and since paint isn’t thick anymore it won’t be as hard or glossy.
How Long Does Enamel Paint Take to Dry For Different Surfaces?
Wood
Oil-based enamel paint takes around 24 hours to dry on wooden surfaces, while water-based enamel paint takes 6-8 hours. The exact drying time is determined by the wood type and number of coats.
Metal
Oil-based enamel paint takes around 8 hours to dry on metal, while water-based enamel paint takes around 4-6 hours.
The paint dries faster on metal when the weather gets hot as the metal surface will get hotter and increase the evaporation rate.
Plastic
Oil-based enamel paint takes around 10 hours to dry on plastic.
The paint dries faster on plastic as plastic is non-porous and the paint will immediately start the evaporation rate since it doesn’t penetrate the material.
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