Drying Times Between Coats — Paint, Plaster, Screed
Drying and curing times for paints, plasters, screeds, concrete and adhesives. Minimum recoat intervals and full cure times for UK conditions.
Paint Drying and Recoat Times
At approximately 20°C, 50% RH, good ventilation.
| Paint Type | Touch Dry | Recoat Time | Full Cure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl matt emulsion | 1-2 hours | 2-4 hours | 7-14 days |
| Vinyl silk emulsion | 2-4 hours | 4 hours | 14 days |
| Masonry paint (water-based) | 1-2 hours | 4-6 hours | 7 days |
| Acrylic eggshell/satin | 1-2 hours | 4-6 hours | 14-21 days |
| Solvent-based gloss | 6-8 hours | 16-24 hours | 28 days |
| Solvent-based undercoat | 4-6 hours | 16 hours | 7 days |
| Wood primer (water-based) | 1 hour | 2-4 hours | 7 days |
| Metal primer (red oxide) | 2-4 hours | 16 hours | 7 days |
| Exterior wood stain | 4-6 hours | 8-16 hours | 7 days |
| Floor paint (epoxy) | 8-12 hours | 16-24 hours | 7 days |
Plaster Drying Times
| Plaster Type | Set Time | Dry to Decorate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skim coat (Multi-Finish) | 1.5-2 hours | 3-5 days | Light colour = dry; dark patches = still damp |
| Bonding coat | 1.5-2 hours | 2-3 days (before skim) | Score surface before skim application |
| Hardwall | 1.5-2 hours | 2-3 days (before skim) | — |
| One coat plaster | 1.5-2 hours | 5-7 days | Thicker application, longer drying |
| External render (sand/cement) | 24 hours | 7-14 days | Keep damp/shaded for 3 days to prevent cracking |
Screed and Concrete Drying Times
| Material | Drying Rate | 50mm Depth | 75mm Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand/cement screed | 1mm/day (first 40mm), then 0.5mm/day | ~60 days | ~110 days |
| Anhydrite/flowing screed | Faster initial set, similar total | ~40-60 days | ~80-100 days |
| Concrete (structural) | 28 days to design strength | — | — |
| Self-levelling compound | Walkable 3-4 hours, tile after 24h | — | — |
Note: All times are approximate and assume standard UK conditions (15-20°C, moderate humidity, reasonable ventilation). Cold, damp, or poorly ventilated conditions can significantly increase drying times. Always consult the specific product technical data sheet for definitive guidance.
Related Pages
See the Paint Coverage Rates and the Adhesive Coverage Rates reference.
How We Calculate This
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: April 2026
All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.