Comparing Drying Times: A Quick Guide
One of the most practical differences between oil-based and water-based paint is drying time. Here’s a quick table to help you see the contrast:
| Drying Stage | Oil-Based Paint | Water-Based Paint |
| Touch Dry | 6–8 hours | 30–60 minutes |
| Recoat Ready | 16–24 hours | 2–4 hours |
| Fully Cured | 7 days | 1–2 weeks |
If you’re on a tight schedule, water-based paint offers significant time savings, especially for multi-coat projects.
