Hey everyone! My landlord just had the walls and ceiling painted, but I'm not sure what kind of paint was used. I assume it's standard stuff since it's a rental. I'm curious about how long it'll take to dry completely. Can I start putting my furniture against the walls and hang things up after waiting a full 24 hours, or is it better to wait even longer? Thanks for your help!
3 Answers
If it’s latex or acrylic water-based paint, it usually takes about 72 hours to fully cure. You might find it dry to touch in a couple of hours, but it’s best not to move anything or apply adhesive for at least a week. Also, high humidity might slow down the drying process, so keep that in mind!
Honestly, it depends on how thick the paint was applied and the type of paint. A good test is to gently press a clean rag against the wall for a minute. If nothing comes off, you’re probably safe to start putting your furniture back. If something does smear, give it a few more hours and try again!
Generally, painted surfaces should be dry to the touch within a couple of hours—like around 8 hours—but if you're thinking of moving furniture back, I'd suggest waiting at least 24 hours. Just to be on the safe side!
Agreed! Just imagine the excitement of actually watching paint dry. Can't hurt to keep an eye on it for a bit longer!