How to Dry Oil Paints

Oil paints are preferred by many painters, but unfortunately, oil paints are extremely slow drying. In fact, it can take years for oil paint to dry completely since the drying process involves oxidation instead of evaporation. So in short, putting your painting in front of a fan will do absolutely nothing to accelerate the drying process, which can take weeks for oil paints that are applied in thick layers. Fortunately, there are other methods that can be used to accelerate the drying process for oil paints. And in many cases, this can mean that the painting or painted object will be dry to the touch within 24 to 48 hours.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Alkyd medium
• Oil paints
• Brushes and other art supplies required for your project
• Clear varnish or polyurethane
• Dehumidifier

1. Mix the oil paints with alkyd medium, a liquid available at virtually all art supply stores. Alkyd medium can be substituted with odorless mineral spirits or linseed oil, though these mediums can cause dulling of the paint's hue and discoloration in the long-term. The amount of alkyd medium that's added to the paint will depend on the paint consistency required for the project. The more alkyd medium that's added, the faster the oil paints will dry.

2. Apply the oil paints in thin layers. Thin layers of paint will dry faster. Additional layers of paint can be added once the paint is dry to the touch, usually within 24 to 48 hours.

3. Paint quickly, particularly if you have mixed in a large amount of alkyd medium, as this will accelerate the oil paint's drying time significantly.

4. Put the painting or painted object in an out-of-the-way location once the paint has been applied. Choose somewhere where the painting will not be disturbed during the drying process, which will take 24 to 72 hours, depending on the amount of alkyd medium used for the project and the thickness of the paint coat.

5. Keep the painting or painted object at room temperature; avoid temperature changes, as this can delay the oil paint drying process.

6. Place a dehumidifier near the painting or painted object if painting in a humid environment. Moisture can delay the curing process for oil paints.

7. Add another layer of paint can be added if desired, once the oil paint is dry to the touch, a

8. Apply a coat of clear varnish or polyurethane. This will create a protective clear coat over the oil paint. It will dry at a faster rate than the oil paints below, creating a protective "shell" that will help prevent gouging and other damage to the oil paints.

9. Allow the varnish or polyurethane to dry for 24 to 48 hours. It should then be dry to the touch and suitable to protect the oil paints as they cure over the course of the coming weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Be extremely careful when handling a painting or object that's painted with oils for several weeks after painting. Remember, it's going to take months, even years, for the oil paints to dry and cure completely. Remember that oil paints and alkyd medium can stain and damage clothing.
• If you need a painting or painted object that's completely dry and cured in less than 4 or 5 days, it's best to opt for a different type of paint. Water-based paints, for instance, have a much faster drying time.