Oil-based paints are notorious for the extremely long time they take to dry. In comparison to other paint types such as acrylics and watercolors, it takes far longer for this newly painted surface to set completely. These paints are, of course, more durable than their water-based counterparts, thanks to their foundational ingredients. Oil-based paints are made from a natural oil such as linseed, or a synthetic oil like alkyd. In the following article, we will cover oil paint drying times and confront the issue of how to make oil paint dry faster, while providing you with some useful information to refer to when working with oil paints. Show
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Drying times vary between different brands and are very much dependent on the type of oil-based paint being used. Between the usage on your palette and canvas, oil-based paints can require as long as eight hours before they begin to set. You must leave the oil-based paint for up to 24 hours so as to allow the surface to be completely dry to the touch. Once more, keep in mind that the time your oil paint takes to dry does vary, as it is affected by how thick and layered its application is.
Your Color PigmentsThe length of time oils take to dry may differ across the color spectrum. The composition of certain paint pigments is heavier than others, resulting in longer drying times. If you can apply the paint with a certain degree of consistency without over-saturating the surface, you can expect an approximate drying time of 24 hours. Earth-tone color shades such as browns, reds, and oranges, and any oil-based paints containing iron oxide will generally dry more rapidly as opposed to others. Selecting brands that are formulated using lead or cobalt will decrease oil paint drying times. Should limited time be a factor in your painting project, you should avoid using heavy black, white, or yellow shades. Choosing Your BrandThe choice of which brand you select to use will no doubt determine the paint’s quality. Certain brands are aimed at beginners, offering entry-level paint ranges of a lower quality than those that are more specialized. For this reason, it is important to adequately research the various product lines on the market, paying close attention to ratings and reviews, as this will ensure that you are making an informed choice. Customer feedback will provide insight into the overall user experience and compare characteristics with other products available. These paints are all manufactured using oils, although this depends on the product formula and the process involved. When confronted with endorsements, always check which oil medium each particular brand is using, because this affects your oil paint drying times. Painting TechniquesA further contributing factor that affects the drying time lies in the techniques and styles you use when painting. Some techniques demand the use of heavy brushstrokes, starkly contrasting color gradients, and deep textures. When implementing a specific technique like fresco or impasto, the result may require up to a week to set completely. The reason behind this is that each layer needs to dry properly in order to allow the next to be applied. Making use of a brisk technique like alla prima will easily provide an outcome within a single sitting. This “wet-on-wet” style of painting is characterized by continually applying colors without allowing the drying of initial layers. Environmental FactorsThe surrounding work environment is a critical consideration when using an oil-based paint medium. Direct sunlight, humidity, moisture, and dust all affect the environment and the delicate procedure of using oil paints in their own way. Oil-based paint is easily affected by temperature, and as a result, performs more effectively when cold. So, working in cold conditions generally produces improved results compared to hot or humid weather. Artists sometimes use the freezer to store paints when they are not being used. This is due to the low freezing temperature of oil paint, which is 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-28 degrees Celsius). Rather than producing frozen paint, storing your paints in the freezer at home will help them retain moisture and viscosity when out of use for several consecutive days. This will not solve the problem of storing paints over an extended period, however it is sufficient to prevent wasting any paint that is not in its tube. It allows you to continue working seamlessly the following day, as the oil-paints are stored at a constant and favorable temperature. You can make sure the paint is still usable and avoid any wastage in the process. When the painting is complete and you have allowed up to seven days drying time, it is still not necessarily dry for framing. The process of using oil-based paint can be a tedious one, because only six months to a year after completion can you begin to seal or frame your work. Prematurely using a fixative or a glass frame could very well damage or smudge your painting. It is optimal either to keep your painting on an easel or even to mount it on the wall while drying oil paint. This will ensure its safety and protection until the application of varnish or framing.
How to Make Oil Paint Dry FasterBy using additional oil-based paint mediums, it is possible to control the drying time by speeding it up or slowing it down. When implemented in combination with your oil-based paints, these products affect the fluidity, color, consistency, and drying time. Artists often opt to utilize an oil medium together with a solvent. Each has its specific functional qualities, allowing ease of use when combined with your oil paints. We will now explore the various types of oil mediums on the market. Oil-Based MediumsWhen it comes to oil-based mediums, your oil paints are actually produced with some of these very oils, including safflower, poppyseed, linseed, and walnut. These natural mediums carry lower health risks with no toxic odor. These mediums are effective in techniques that need gloss or heavy strokes and textures. Depending on which oil you use, you can either speed up or hinder the drying period when you add these mediums to your paint.
Solvents and ThinnersUsing a solvent or thinner will shorten the drying times as they make the oil paint thinner. Techniques such as underpainting or creating washes are easily achievable using solvents. You can dilute oil-based paint and also wash out color pigments. When cleaning your brushes, thinners and solvents can actually be extremely helpful. The chemical agents in these are highly effective in stripping the paint from brushes and cleaning any surface spills or paint marks. However, as it will deteriorate and spoil brush hairs, it is not advised to leave brushes soaking for extended periods in these chemicals.
Toxin-Free Solvent MediumsFree of any toxic chemical agents, these natural products are used as you would any chemical solvent. A citrus-based medium, for instance, contains high levels of citrus oils and water. The extreme acidity that occurs naturally in citrus fruit becomes a useful solvent to clean oil paint from brushes and other surfaces. Spike lavender oil is another natural option, having been in use for centuries. This is an effective medium and has a tranquil scent too. Using Alkyd-Based MediumsWhen working with oil paints, Alkyd mediums are widely used for decreasing the drying period. The fast-acting resin they contain helps the paint set and harden in several hours. They add a sheen of gloss to your painting’s finish, and you will not require an oil or solvent when working with these mediums. Generally, there are two types available: Liquin is of a lower viscosity and easier to work with, while the gel variant increases transparency and allows the paint to flow better. Applying Gesso and Primer LayersBefore painting begins, apply these to your canvas or other chosen substrate. A primer provides a porous surface for the effective adhesion of your oil paint, offering increased coverage and overall longevity of your canvas. Acrylic gesso is an excellent primer for working with oil paints. By using up to three coats and allowing the layers to dry fully between layers, you will have a more effective application and end result.
Oil Mediums for Drying Oil PaintDrying times are an important consideration when working with oil mediums, so the following summary will help you decide which best suits your needs:
How to Make Oil Paint Dry Faster at HomeApart from using chemical or oil paint mediums, the following points should help improve the drying times when you work with oil-based paint.
Checking Whether Your Oil Painting is DryThere is a simple method for checking if your oil painting is dry without causing the painting any harm. Once 18 hours have passed, carefully slide your finger or nail across a small area of the surface of the canvas. Should some powder or fine dust be noticeable upon doing this, it is an indication the layers have dried sufficiently to resume working. Ensure you do this ever so gently in order to cause no damage to your painting. Take a look at our oil paint drying time webstory here! Frequently Asked QuestionsHow Long Does Oil Paint Take to Dry?Oil-based paints dry far more gradually than other paints like acrylics. This is affected by the paint’s viscosity, the layers applied, and which brand you have used. Usually, a canvas should be allowed at least 24 hours to set properly. When Can the Canvas Be Framed?As they consist of multiple heavy paint layers, oil paintings will not dry like other paint products. Oils oxidize and begin curing as a reaction to air and due to this process, they dry from the top layer down and often take far longer to dry effectively. Between 6 to 12 months is the recommended time allowance before beginning to varnish or frame your canvas. How Do You Speed Up the Drying Time of Oil Paint?Numerous solutions are available to help you increase or decrease the paint’s drying time while you work, including oils, alkyds, and solvents. Your choice of medium will determine the approach to your painting.
Does oil paint ever fully dry?Oil paints, by their very nature, don't dry with any speed at all. They are very slow, and you have to be patient – it takes months for thick paint to fully dry (it doesn't actually 'dry', it oxidises which is why the process is slow, read more about it here). However, there are a few things you can do to speed it up.
How can I make oil paint dry faster?Increase the temperature of the environment which the painting is drying in. Place the painting in a cardboard box to prevent dust and debris from sticking, and place it in a warm environment but out of direct sunlight. For example: Car drunk if it is parked in a hot environment.
Is oil paint hard to dry?Oil paint is inherently slow drying compared to other painting mediums such as acrylic, watercolor or gouache paints. Because of this, you have much more time to manipulate oil paint on your canvas before it dries. This is one of the reasons why oil paint is so widely used by artists.
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