Are you constantly fighting with your acrylic paint? Do you feel like it sometimes dries too fast, not giving you enough time to blend, and other times it seems to take forever between layers? Don’t worry, it’s the most common problem for artists who use this medium. In this guide, I’m going to share my experience and all the secrets I’ve learned to understand and, most importantly, master the drying times of acrylic paint.
I’ve also prepared a full video tutorial on my YouTube channel that accompanies this post. You’ll find it at the end of the article!
Why Does Acrylic Paint Dry So Fast? A Little Bit of Science.
It’s very important to know the material we’re working with, what it’s made of, and what makes it different from other types of paints.
Acrylic paint, in broad strokes and without getting into complex chemical compositions, is made of pigments (which give it color), water (which gives it moisture), and an acrylic resin binder (which, once dry, gives it its durability). Remember, once acrylic paint is dry, it’s permanent (so always be careful with your clothes!).
This fast-drying nature is what defines acrylic paint and sets it apart from oil paint, which takes days to dry, or Gouache, which dries quickly but can be reactivated again with water.
3 Key Factors That Control Drying Time on Your Artwork
But let’s get back to acrylics and the factors that can affect the paint’s drying time.
1. The Surface: Porous vs. Sealed
The surface we paint on isn’t just a support; it alters not only the drying time but also the finish of our work.
If we use an absorbent surface like paper or cardboard, we’ll notice that our brushstrokes are more limited and the paint dries very quickly; the fine porosity of these materials absorbs a greater amount of water. On the other hand, untreated raw canvas, while also absorbent, may cause the paint to dry more slowly initially but will require more paint to cover the same area.
This is why we typically paint on surfaces that have been pre-treated with 2-3 layers of Gesso. Gesso seals the surface, limits absorption, and makes it smoother. For raw canvas, I also like to use a medium called Acrylic Binder to seal the fabric before applying the gesso. This way, the brushstrokes flow smoothly, and we don’t need as much paint. On treated surfaces, the paint will dry a bit more slowly.
2. Water Amount & Climate
Considering that acrylic paint dries when its moisture evaporates, the amount of water in the paint will influence how long it takes to dry. Even the climate where you paint plays a role. If you’re in a dry climate like I am, the paint dries in the blink of an eye. If you add a lot of water to your paint, be patient, because it will take longer to dry.
The seasons also have an impact; in summer, the heat and a fan can speed up the process. In winter, heating can do the same. Direct sun, too, increases evaporation.
3. Paint Thickness & Layers
Paint thickness is something very important to consider. When you increase the thickness of the paint layer, moisture gets trapped in the bottom layers (the outer layer dries first, insulating the rest). This is extremely important because when working with acrylics, we often work with several layers to achieve different effects. If we add many layers, or the brushstrokes are very thick (heavily loaded with paint), or even have added water, we must wait the necessary minutes for them to dry. If we don’t have that patience, what will happen is that we will lift the paint with the next brushstroke and ruin all our previous work.
Your Tools for Mastering Time
So, are there things we can do to alter the drying times? Or do we have to resign ourselves? Of course not!
How to Slow Down Drying Time on the Canvas
If we want to slow down the drying time on our canvas, we can alter our environment, for example, by turning off a fan or working in a less heated room. As we mentioned, we can also add a little water to our paint. And if what we want is to delay the drying time by several minutes, there are retarder mediums that are added to the paint. A few drops in the paint, mix well, and you’re ready. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but it’s usually recommended not to add more than 20%. We use retarder to keep the paint workable for longer, to create color transitions (blending), for example.
How to Speed Up Drying Time
If you need to speed up the drying, do the opposite. Keep your work environment with low humidity (though that’s not very healthy for you!). My favorite trick is to use a hair dryer on the lowest speed and a warm temperature. Gently dry the paint. This ensures the layers are dry before painting over them.
The Big Problem: How to Keep Your Paint Fresh on the Palette?
One of the most annoying things about acrylics is how fast they dry on the palette. Imagine this: you’re searching for the perfect color, you make a very precise mix of several colors, and you achieve it. And all that work for what? In a few minutes, the paint is dry on the palette, and you have to start all over again.
The secret to keeping the paint fresh is to constantly keep it moist by spraying it with water. But you have to be consistent and watch the paint so it doesn’t dry, and that takes your attention and time away from what’s truly important: your artwork! So, what is, for me, the best solution?
My Secret Weapon: The Wet Palette Without a doubt, the best solution I’ve found to keep my acrylics fresh for hours is to use a wet palette. If you don’t know what it is or want to learn how to make one yourself at home with simple materials, I have a full blog post and video tutorial dedicated to it.
Summary: Become the Master of Your Time
So, remember:
- Choose your surface wisely.
- Prepare your surface correctly or buy one that is already sealed.
- Control the amount of water you add to your paint and be mindful of the climate.
- Be aware that the thickness of the paint or the number of layers you apply affects the drying time.
- Protect your paint on the palette with a spray bottle or a wet palette.
This way, you can master the drying times in your work. Remember you have a lot of tools to help you, like retarder, the wet palette, or a hair dryer. I hope these tips help you paint with more confidence!
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