Priming before painting is an important thing to do. There are different types of primers available in the market each having its distinct qualities. The benefits offered by oil-based primers are making them a popular option among people. While applying primer people interrogate many points. One thing that people often wonder while using an oil-based primer is the time it takes to dry completely.
Many factors help in determining the time it takes for the oil-based primer to dry. The surface primer is applied, and the weather situations and coats applied are among the top factors influencing the time it takes for the oil-based primer to dry. Generally, oil-based primer takes up to 4 hours to dry. However, it is advised to wait for 24 hours before applying the second layer of primer or paint to it.
In this article you will learn about the time it takes for an oil-based primer to dry between coats. Along with this, you will discover the time it takes for the oil-based primer to cure. Additionally, you will find out the ways to make oil-based primers dry quickly. By the end of this article, you will also learn about the consequences of not giving enough drying time to primer.
How Long Does Oil-Based Primer Need To Dry Between Coats?
The coating can be referred to as the process of applying layers over primer or paint. For ensuring a better finish you need to determine the coats of primer you need. If the object or surface to be painted is rough, wrinkled, or cracked then you need to apply multiple layers of primer on it.
As soon as the priming stage is done, people move towards the painting stage without waiting for the primer to dry completely. Not giving the first coat enough drying time ruins the whole look of the surface or object primed. Thus, it is essential to wait for the first coat of primer to dry and then apply another layer of primer or paint on it.
To give enough drying time to oil-based primers between coats, it is essential to know the time it takes for the oil-based primer to dry completely. In many cases, the oil-based primer dries within 2 to 3 hours. However, it is advised to wait for 24 hours before applying a coat to it.
Many factors affect the time oil-based primers take to dry in between coats. Some of these factors include:
The Thickness Of The Coat
The amount of primer initially applied plays a vital role in determining the drying time. The thin coat may not cover the surface well but takes less drying time. Usually, a thin coat takes 1 to 2 hours to dry completely.
On the other hand, a thick layer of primer covers the surface properly but takes more drying time. If you have applied a thick layer of primer, then make sure to wait for 8 to 12 hours before applying the second coat of primer or paint.
The Surface Primed
The surface you are priming also impacts the time it takes for the oil-based primer to dry between coats. Concrete surfaces, walls, and wooden objects take more drying time. While priming metal you need to expect 4 hours of drying time. On the other hand, plastic surfaces when primed dry quickly.
While priming, always take time to examine the surface you are working with. By determining the time, it takes for the surface to dry completely, you can reap all the benefits of priming and can plan accordingly.
Temperature
Temperature is another important factor helping in determining the time it takes for the oil-based primer to dry between coats. The hotter the temperature is, the faster the primer dries. So, in warm weather, the drying time will not be much longer.
On the other hand, if the temperature is cold then you may experience a slow drying time. The absence of heat and dryness of weather in cold temperatures slow down the primer drying time between coats.
Humidity
Humidity is an integral factor influencing the drying time of all kinds of paints and primers. Humidity contributes to adding moisture to the primer or paint applied and hence slows down the drying process.
Primer dries when the water content present in it evaporates. The presence of humidity adds moisture to the primer applied and makes it harder for the water content of the primer to evaporate. In humid weather, it is considered normal for the primer to take more than 12 hours of drying time.
Ventilation
If you are priming indoors then ensuring proper ventilation is essential for you. This is because primer dries quickly in a well-ventilated setting. Not only does primer takes a long drying time in a poorly ventilated place but also poses serious threats to human health
The flow and circulation of air make it easier for the water molecules to evaporate from the primer. Hence reducing the drying time. In a well-ventilated setting, oil-based primer takes about 2 to 3 hours to dry between coats.
How Long Does An Oil-Based Primer Need To Cure?
The time it takes for the paint to harden completely is referred to as the curing time. To avoid the paint from scratching, peeling, and ruining the final look it is advised to stay away from the painted object until the end of curing time.
It is important to understand the difference between drying and curing time. Drying time is the time the paint takes to dry before applying another coat. Whereas curing time is the time that paint takes to exhibit its true color and to tolerate daily use. By the end of the curing period, the painted or primed object becomes ready for use in daily life.
Oil-based primers and paints take more drying and curing time as compared to water-based primers and paints. Usually, oil-based primers are dry enough to touch after two hours of application. However, it is advised to wait for 24 hours before painting on it. To cure fully, oil-based primers take up to 7 days.
The time it takes for the oil-based primer to cure also depends on many factors. The common factors affecting the cure time of paint include:
The type of paint to be applied
The type of paint that you have to apply over primer significantly impacts the curing time. The curing time for applying oil-based paint on oil-based primer is 24 hours. Similarly, if you have to apply water-based paint on oil-based primer then it is good to wait for at least 8 hours.
Temperature
The effect of temperature on the curing time of paints and primers is worth considering. In cold weather, the oil-based primer takes more curing time. It is important to remember that the hotter the temperature is the faster the curing process is.
Moisture
The moisture present in the atmosphere also impacts the time it takes for oil-based primers to cure fully. Moisture adds dampness to the surface or objects to which the primer is applied. Hence, slows down the average curing time.
Air Flow
The better the flow of air is, the shorter the curing period is. There are many ways of ventilating the area while painting. By following these ways, you can ensure proper ventilation to reduce the time oil-based primers take for curing fully.
The average curing time of oil-based primers is around 7 days. However, this time is different under different circumstances. To avoid ruining the primed surface in its curing time, make sure to consider the factors discussed above and figure out the perfect curing time.
What Can You Do To Make Oil-Based Primer Dry Faster?
Oil-based primers take longer drying time as compared to other primers. Owing to the numerous benefits of oil-based primers vs water-based primers or other types of primers, people cannot think of switching to other types of primers.
In many cases, people have to finish painting a surface or object within a short time. Thus, it is not possible to wait for the oil-based primers to dry naturally. In these cases, figuring out ways that can shorten the drying time of oil-based primers is the aim of everyone.
Luckily, many ways can assist in making oil-based primer dry faster. Shared below are some of the easiest ways to do so.
Install a Dehumidifier
Humidity makes the process of drying harder. If you have to use oil-based primers in a humid environment, then installing a dehumidifier is a must. A dehumidifier reduces the humidity level of the surroundings. This makes the evaporation of water components present in oil-based primers quick, thus contributing to making oil-based primers dry faster.
There are many benefits of using a dehumidifier. Experts suggest using it for fast drying of primer or paint, even when the humidity level is not too high.
Use Fast-Drying Oil-Based Primers
There are many fast-drying oil-based primers available in the market. These primers, as the name indicates, dry faster than ordinary primers while providing a better finish. Experts argue that high-quality and best oil-based primers dry quickly and hence are preferred over low-quality ones.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Ventilation is the most important factor affecting the drying time of all kinds of primers and paints. In the absence of proper ventilation, the primer or paint can’t dry. To fasten up the drying process of oil-based primer you need to ensure proper ventilation.
If the primed object is placed indoors, then make sure to open the window and doors to speed up the drying process of oil-based primer.
Use Heat Sources
The heat helps to speed up the drying of oil-based primers as well as other kinds of paints and primers. If you are looking for the easiest ways to speed up the oil-based paint drying process, then take help of heat sources. Hair dryers and heaters are the most affordable and simplest heat sources to be used for drying paints and primers.
Apply Thin Coats
By applying a thin layer of primer, you can experience a fast-drying time. Also, uneven and inconsistent application of primer must be avoided for quick drying.
However, proper priming of the surface is essential for generating a better finish. Many times, people apply a thin layer of primer on a rough surface just to save time. Doing this is not advised as a thin layer makes no difference if the surface is rough. Remember to apply a thick layer of primer on a rough surface.
Work In A Dry And Warm Environment
Working in a dry and warm environment helps in reducing the oil-based primer drying time. If you are working with oil-based primers outdoors, then make sure to work in the afternoon. In the afternoon the temperature is hotter and hence helps in making the oil-based primer dry faster.
If the object to be primed is movable, then it is better to shift it indoors. Indoor settings are usually warmer than outdoor settings. By working in a dry and warm environment you can experience easy application, better finish, and a fast-drying time.
Choosing The Optimal Temperature
The last way by which you can make oil-based primer dry faster is by choosing to work with it in the optimal temperature range. The ideal temperature for painting and priming outdoors is between 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Working with primer in an acceptable temperature range is the easiest and simplest way for making the oil-based primer dry faster.
What If You Don’t Let Oil-Based Primer Dry Well Before Painting Or Applying the Second Coat Of Primer?
Painting over wet primer accompanies many problems. People who don’t wait for the primer to dry before applying another layer of primer or paint on it find themselves landed in trouble later. The problems associated with not letting the oil-based primer dry before applying another coat on it include:
- Poor Adhesion
It is not easy for paint or primer to stick to a wet surface. Applying paint over a wet primer reduces the adhesion of paint. No matter the quality of paint or primer, if you are applying it over wet primer then the result will not be much impressive.
- Peeling
There are many reasons for the peeling of paint. The most common one of them is the application of paint on a wet surface. The moisture or water content under the layer of paint causes it to peel off easily. Regardless of the quality and type of paint or primer, peeling will always be observed by coating it on the wet primer.
- Uneven Colour
The color of paint is also impacted by its application of wet primer. When the paint is applied to a wet surface the moisture of the surface results in thinning the paint. The increased water content in paint results in changing its color.
- Rough Finish
For generating an impressive and smooth finish it is essential to apply paint over a dry surface. The poor adhesion, peeling, cracking, and uneven color associated with applying paint or primer on wet surfaces results in generating a poor finish. There are many ways for fixing uneven paint. However, doing this is time-consuming, so it is better to wait for the primer to dry before applying paint to it.
Verdict
To sum up it can be said that the advantages of oil-based primer compel people to use it. Oil-based primers take more drying time as compared to other types of primers. The time it takes for oil-based primers to dry between coats and to cure depends upon several factors.
By considering these factors you can take appropriate actions to speed up the drying time of oil-based primers. Also, remember not to apply anything over wet primer, as doing this will ruin the whole look.