How long does spray paint take to dry – A General overview

If you’ve ever hand a spray can in your hand, there is a good chance you have also used it – and then there is an ever better chance that you have waited for it to dry. In this post, we take a look at different kinds of spray paint and how long it takes to dry. Most of these paints are not our first choice when making graffiti in the streets or at home, but nevertheless nice to know about.

Drying times for spray paint

Spray paint is a quick and easy way to give a new look to any surface whether it’s for painting graffiti or something else. But how long does it take for spray paint to dry?

The drying time of spray paint depends on several factors, including the type of paint, the humidity and temperature of the environment and the thickness of the layer applied.

Here is a breakdown of the drying times for different types of spray paint:

• Oil-based spray paint: This type of paint takes the longest to dry, with a drying time of about 6-8 hours. Oil-based paint can also take up to 24 hours to fully cure, depending on the humidity and temperature in the room.
• Latex spray paint: Latex paint is a water-based paint, and it dries much faster than oil-based paint. Latex spray paint typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour to dry with up to 24 hours to fully cure.
• Acrylic spray paint: Acrylic paint is another type of water-based paint that dries relatively quickly. Like the Montana Colors water-based series. Acrylic spray paint takes about 20-30 minutes to dry to the touch, and it can take up to 24 hours to fully cure. From our experience, in a well ventilated room, MTN water based will dry in 4-6 minutes.*
• Enamel spray paint: Enamel paint is known for its high durability and resistance to wear and tear. It takes longer to dry than other types of spray paint, with a drying time of about 3-4 hours. Enamel paint can take up to 72 hours to fully cure, so it’s not the paint you want to bring if you are painting steel and glass 🙂

It’s important to note that the above are general drying times and can vary based on the specific brand and type of spray paint. Always be sure to read the label on the can for the manufacturer’s recommended drying times if you want to make sure you are not putting your fingertips on your loved newly made canvas.

Tips for spray paint

To ensure the best results when using spray paint, it’s important to follow a few key tips:

• ALWAYS wear a mask. No matter if you a working with water based or oil-based paint, please always wear a mask for you own safety and for your loved ones to have you on this earth as long as possible.
• Work in a well-ventilated area: Spray paint releases fumes as it comes out and as it dries, so it’s important to work in an area with good airflow. If possible, work outside or in a garage with the door open. Be aware that when painting inside with a open window, the paint may land unwanted places due to the drafts.
• Apply thin, even coats: Thin, even coats of spray paint dry faster than thick coats. If you apply the paint too thickly, it will take longer to dry and may result in drips or an uneven finish. A general rule: if your layer is see through, you are moving your hand/arm to quickly and if you have drips in your layer you are moving your hand/arm to slow. Can control is key.
• Avoid painting in humid or cold conditions: Humidity and temperature affects the drying time of spray paint. If the air is too humid, the paint will take longer to dry. Similarly, if the temperature is too cold, the paint will take longer to dry – and nobody wants to paint when it’s cold unless you the pics are going to be fantastic like this one: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/569001734142758540/

In summary, the drying time of spray paint varies depending on the type of paint, the humidity and temperature of the environment and the thickness of the paint layer. Oil-based paint takes the longest to dry, while latex and acrylic paints dry relatively quickly. To ensure the best results, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying times and work in a well-ventilated area wearing a mask.

Spray paint specifically designed for Graffiti purposes?

Spray paint that is specifically designed for graffiti and street art purposes tends to have a much faster drying time than other types of spray paint. These paints are formulated to dry within 45 seconds to 1 minute when applied in a thin layer, making them ideal for use in graffiti and street art where time is often highly valuable.

Manufacturers such as Montana Colors have specialized in producing fast-drying spray paint specifically for the graffiti and street art communities. They understand that the drying time of spray paint is an important factor for people creating graffiti, and have developed products that meet the needs of these artists.

If you’re looking for fast-drying spray paint for your graffiti or street art projects, be sure to check out the offerings from Montana Colors and other specialized manufacturers. These paints are designed to give you the speed and convenience you need to create your art quickly and efficiently. 

Montana Colors offer two main flagship products for spray painting graffiti outside: The 94-can and the Hardcore-can. 

The 94-can is extremely easy to handle thanks to its smooth valve system. It dries quickly, preventing drips and allowing for almost immediate repainting. It also has a wide array of high opacity colors to choose from.

The Hardcore-can is known for its intense colors and glossy finish. It dries quickly and has good hardening and durable characteristics, making it a popular choice among graffiti artists. It is also suitable for domestic, industrial, and artistic uses where high quality paint is required.

They also have a wide range of other spray paint that are larger, smaller, waterbased and lot’s more. Check them out here: https://sprayplanet.com/

We at GraffitiBible prefer using low pressure spray cans with a skinny pro cap for detailed photorealistic work and highpressure cans with an astro fat cap when speed is essential