Question 1

How long should I wait between coats of emulsion paint?

Accepted Answer

Standard vinyl emulsion (matt or silk) is typically touch-dry in 1-2 hours and can be recoated after 2-4 hours at 20°C with good ventilation. Contract matt may recoat in as little as 1-2 hours. In cold, damp, or poorly ventilated conditions, allow longer — up to 6-8 hours. Always check the product data sheet as formulations vary. The surface should feel completely dry and not tacky before applying the next coat.

Question 2

How long does plaster take to dry before painting?

Accepted Answer

A skim coat (Thistle Multi-Finish) takes 3-5 days to dry in normal conditions but can take 2-3 weeks in cold or damp rooms. Bonding coat takes 1-3 days before skimming. The plaster must change from dark pink/brown to a uniform light pink/cream colour throughout — any dark patches indicate moisture. Never paint over damp plaster as it will peel. A mist coat (diluted emulsion 50:50 with water) should be applied first to seal the plaster.

Question 3

How long should screed dry before laying flooring?

Accepted Answer

Sand/cement screed dries at approximately 1mm per day for the first 40mm, then 0.5mm per day for each additional mm above 40mm. A 50mm screed takes approximately 40 + (10 × 2) = 60 days. Relative humidity of the screed must be below 75% (measured with a hygrometer) before laying moisture-sensitive flooring. Anhydrite (calcium sulphate) screed dries faster initially but still needs moisture testing. Underfloor heating can accelerate drying if commissioned gradually.

Question 4

What affects drying times?

Accepted Answer

Key factors are: temperature (higher = faster, but below 5°C most products should not be applied), relative humidity (lower = faster), ventilation (more airflow = faster), substrate porosity (porous backgrounds absorb moisture and may slow surface drying), coat thickness (thicker = slower), and product formulation. Winter drying times can be 2-3 times longer than summer. Dehumidifiers significantly accelerate drying of plaster and screed.

Paint Type	Touch Dry (hours)	Recoat Time (hours)	Full Cure (days)
Vinyl matt emulsion	1-2	2-4	7-14
Vinyl silk emulsion	2-4	4	14
Masonry paint (water-based)	1-2	4-6	7
Acrylic eggshell/satin	1-2	4-6	14-21
Solvent-based gloss	6-8	16-24	28
Solvent-based undercoat	4-6	16	7
Wood primer (water-based)	1	2-4	7
Metal primer (red oxide)	2-4	16	7
Exterior wood stain	4-6	8-16	7
Floor paint (epoxy)	8-12	16-24	7

Plaster Type	Set Time (hours)	Dry to Decorate	Notes
Skim coat (Multi-Finish)	1.5-2	3-5 days	Light colour = dry; dark patches = still damp
Bonding coat	1.5-2	2-3 days (before skim)	Score surface before skim application
Hardwall	1.5-2	2-3 days (before skim)	—
One coat plaster	1.5-2	5-7 days	Thicker application, longer drying
External render (sand/cement)	24	7-14 days	Keep damp/shaded for 3 days to prevent cracking

Material	Drying Rate	50mm Depth (days)	75mm Depth (days)
Sand/cement screed	1mm/day (first 40mm), then 0.5mm/day	~60	~110
Anhydrite/flowing screed	Faster initial set, similar total	~40-60	~80-100
Concrete (structural)	28 days to design strength	—	—
Self-levelling compound	Walkable 3-4 hours, tile after 24h	—	—

Drying Times Between Coats — Paint, Plaster, Screed

Paint Drying and Recoat Times

Plaster Drying Times

Screed and Concrete Drying Times

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