How Long Should Acrylic Latex Paint Dry Between Coats?

You can use a space heater to hasten drying time in humid environments.

Dry environments

As long as conditions are warm and dry, one to two hours is usually a sufficient wait-time between coats of paint. As long as the paint appears dry, you may apply the second coat.

Humid environments

In humid conditions, you may have to wait longer than one to two hours. Even if the paint appears dry, it may not have had a chance to cure properly. Unless conditions are warm and dry, you should wait four hours just to be safe.

Bottom Line

If you are painting in late spring or early summer, you should only have to wait about one to two hours between coats of paint. You can tell if the paint is dry by examining the sheen. If it appears even, the paint is probably dry. If it appears shinier in certain areas, you should wait an additional hour. You can hasten drying time in humid environments by using a space heater in the room you are painting in.

Resources

• Popular Mechanics: 5 Pro Painting Tips Every Amateur Should Know