I just finished painting a wood carving of a great white shark, and since this is my first time working with such a project, I'm uncertain about how long to wait before applying a water-based finish like Minwax Polycrylic Clear Gloss. I've seen various suggestions online, with some sources saying 24 hours is enough, while others recommend waiting 3 days or even up to 1 to 3 weeks. I'd love to hear your advice on this!
3 Answers
24 hours is usually plenty of time. You might also want to check out a product called Dullcote by Testors; it seals the paint without altering the appearance of your artwork.
In my experience, it really depends on the specific finish you're using. Some contain harsher solvents that could soften the paint. Environmental conditions like heat and humidity also play a role. I've even used Polycrylic the same day on hot, dry days.
I’ve kept the carving inside while it’s drying, so it should be okay. Thanks for the insight!
I've applied finishes as soon as 24 hours after painting, particularly if there aren’t any small spots for drying paint to hide in. Everything turned out fine!
I’ll probably wait till tomorrow because I’m working on another carving in the meantime, thank you for your input!
Thank you, I’ll keep that in mind!