Find Out How Long Does Primer Take to Dry

Whenever you begin painting something, whether your wall, an art piece, or any other project, you need to ensure the paint will adhere to the surface. Primer is the lead material to create a flawless paint finish, but do you know how long does primer take to dry?

Paints are generally very complex chemicals that can often damage the surfaces they are on. Thus, it would be best if you placed an undercoat on the surface. But The function of a primer is to protect the surface, make the paint stick, and allow it to withstand the elements better.

However, time is essential, and you cannot spend all day waiting for this coat to dry and be ready. Keep reading this blog to discover some tips that will help you to accelerate the process.

Why Are Primers Essential in Painting Projects?

The most important material on any painting project is to ensure even coverage from the paint. That is simple in theory, but many surfaces are somewhat rough and uneven, so the paint will collect in some areas while not sticking in others.

A primer allows the paint to stick to porous surfaces like wood; it seals the pores creating a better surface. Oil-based primers are great for painting over old coats of paint, both indoors and outdoors.

Some Great Advantages of Using Primer:

• It boosts paint durability
• It reduces the risk of peeling off
• It will make the color look exactly as it is in the can, especially in dark colors
• It will protect from mildew and mold
• It helps to prevent toxic odors and stains
• It covers patched areas
• It encourages better paint adhesion.

As you can see, using a primer is one of the best options to make your walls look aesthetic, and at the same time, it will make you save money because the color will last for many years.

Types of Primers

There exist three main types of primer paints designed for different purposes. These are latex (the most common), oil-based, and shellac; each has its advantages and particular uses.

Latex Primers

This kind is a water-based primer, which means it is better for interiors. As it is fast drying, most homeowners use it to paint bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics, and other internal house areas. Also, this primer is excellent for preparing unfinished drywall for painting.

One great advantage of latex primer is that it is easy to clean. If the wall gets stained, you can use just soap and water.

Oil-Based Primers

Oil-based primers are great for covering the porous surface of the wood. Also, they are great for the exterior due to their resistance to challenging environments. Another great advantage of oil-based primers is the ability to block stains.

It is recommendable to use this primer in the exterior because the solvents, when dry, expel some toxic odors that can be prejudicial. You can use it for the interior, but you must have windows for ventilation.

Shellac Primers

Shellac is common in manicures for protection and shine, and in this case, shellac functions as a protective layer against water and stains. It also boosts the brightness on the wall, making it more aesthetic. Also, it helps to prevent rust and bleeding in wood surfaces.

It is so flexible that it can be adapted to metal, wood, and even plastic. It is highly adhesive, resistant to different temperatures, and dries faster even in high humidity levels.

How Long Does Primer Take to Dry?

If you are thinking about how long does primer takes to dry? There exist three types of primer, so it means each one has a different time. Latex primers take from 30 minutes to an hour, oil-based a day, and pigmented shellac take 2 to 4 days longer to dry.

Many factors impact the drying time; the temperature, surface area, and type will dictate the drying time. One drawback of oil-based primers is that they dry slowly, so you must be patient.

There is no universal set time, but most primers vary according to their materials. That may also change depending on the brand and how thick the coat of primer is; thinner coats dry faster but require more applications.

In most cases, how long does primer takes to dry is a question with different answers every time. The professional painters will guide you through the process.

The pigmented shellac primer takes from 2 to 4 days because of the curing process.

How Can I Speed the Drying Time of a Primer?

You may be tempted to start blowing on your painting to make the primer dry faster. That is a bad idea, as the air and spit you may move the primer, creating bubbles that will ruin its consistency. Remember, the point of the primer is to have an even surface for the paint!

However, you can speed up the process by opening your doors and windows and freely letting the air flow. You can use a hairdryer in the lower settings to gently blow air from a distance.

What Should You Do After the Primer Is Dry?

Once your primer is dry, either by waiting or making the primer dry faster, you can then apply your next coat of regular paint with ease. Wood, metal, and other surfaces will have the paint stick to them without issue.

This way, your painting project will enjoy a better quality and consistency on any surface, no matter how rough they might be.

Need Help

Now that you know the answer to how long does primer takes to dry, it’s time to start painting! Applying primer is one of the crucial steps to get a better paint look and finish, so you must use it to protect the colors and the wall simultaneously.

Do you need a paint job service? Remember that you can count on Mayas Painting if you wish to bring your place back to life with a fresh coat of paint!