Could it be that you’re just not patient enough? Maybe so, but it can also be something else entirely. If you’re unsure why your paint is taking longer to dry than you expected, here are some factors to consider and possible reasons why.

1. Type of Paint

If you’ve worked with several different paint products, you’ll know that drying time is largely dependent on paint type. Water-based, alkyd-based, lacquer, epoxy—these have their own mechanisms for drying which then also affect drying time. (For those interested to know, paint drying mechanisms include coalescence, oxidation, and solvent evaporation which vary depending on type.)

What does this all mean? It means that it’s wrong to expect Boysen Quick Drying Enamel, which is an alkyd-based paint to dry as quickly as a water-based paint like Boysen Permacoat. The takeaway is to know what type of paint you’re working with and to read the product label in full so you’re aware of how long you have to wait for your paint to fully dry.

Paint Taking Longer to Dry? 5 Possible Reasons Why | MyBoysen

2. Humidity

If your paint is water-based, know that humidity has a significant effect on drying time. Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. The more humid it is, the longer it will take for your paint to dry as the moisture will interfere with the film-forming process of the paint.

Here’s a tip: your phone’s weather app gives a humidity reading presented in percentage. Check it if you want to know the humidity on the days you’re painting. Places like Baguio and Tagaytay have fairly higher humidity than the rest of the country as well. See Boysen-recommended paint products for homes in high humidity areas here.

3. Ventilation

If you’re working with alkyd- and lacquer-type products like Boysen Quick Drying Enamel and Boysen Automotive Lacquer respectively, make sure there’s sufficient ventilation in the room. Not only because these solvent-based paints can have a strong chemical odor, but also because drying time takes a while.

Evaporation and oxidation are necessary for these paints to dry. Hence, there needs to be enough airflow for the solvent to evaporate or for there to be enough oxygen present in the area. Keep the doors and windows open!

Paint Taking Longer to Dry? 5 Possible Reasons Why | MyBoysen

4. Incorrect Mixing Ratio

Some paints come in two parts (a.k.a. two-component paints) that have to be mixed together prior to application. For example, every 4 L can of Boysen Epoxy Enamel comes with a 1 L can curing agent. These two have to be mixed at a recommended ratio of 3:1 by volume. When mixed, it’s the curing agent that allows the product to dry where you apply it.

When you get the ratio wrong, you risk having a longer drying time. Worse, you can even end up with paint that doesn’t completely dry at all. So, again, the takeaway is to read the label and follow product instructions.

5. Paint Incompatibility

Pairing the wrong type of paint with a surface it’s incompatible with can lead to many unwanted consequences, one of which is kumukulong pintura. One of the ways kumukulong pintura happens is when an oil-based product, such as enamel paint, which is typically for use on wood and metal surfaces is applied on a concrete surface. The result is a chemical reaction called “saponification.”

You’ll notice saponification on your walls when the paint you’ve applied does not seem to dry. When you touch it, the paint will feel sticky or tacky even days after you’ve finished painting. You might even notice it as you’re painting—the paint you’ve just applied doesn’t seem to sit right or isn’t as smooth as it should be. Learn more about this paint problem here.

If you’ve considered the above and still are not sure why your paint is taking longer to dry, don’t hesitate to ask a trusted painter or contractor. You can also seek advice from the Boysen Technical Service Department by sending an email to ask@myboysen.com. For a one-on-one consultation, call (02) 8363-9738 local 413 to 418 during office hours.

Author

Jill is a writer on a continuous journey to learn about paint and share them with you, the reader. She has an interest in the technical side of things but also thoroughly enjoys playing with colors. She likes calm greens, quiet blues, and mellow yellows best.

Write A Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.