But here’s the thing: When you’re painting your home’s exterior, drying and curing are more important than most people realize. Just ask the pros at Engel Coatings Inc., top painters in Las Cruces, NM, who will tell you there are make-or-break steps that can determine how good (or not-so-good) your paint job looks down the road.
So, how long does exterior paint take to dry? Well, the answer isn’t as simple as you might think, especially here in New Mexico. Between the dry air, intense sun, and those wild day-to-night temperature swings, painting outside in the Land of Enchantment isn’t without challenges.
Of course, climate’s a big deal, but it’s not the only thing that affects drying time. The type of paint you use, the condition of the surface, and even the extent of the preparation all play a part in how long it takes paint to dry and cure.
If you’re spending your time and hard-earned money on a paint job, you want it done right the first time. To help you achieve the best results, check out this guide on how drying and curing work, and what to expect for paint drying times.
Before we get into the details, it’s helpful to clarify something that causes a lot of confusion: Drying and curing aren’t the same thing.
When paint is “dry,” it’s no longer wet or sticky to the touch. At that point, you can add another coat or brush past it without smearing paint all over your clothes. It’s still vulnerable to damage, though.
Curing, on the other hand, is a long game. It’s a chemical process where the paint hardens completely and forms a tough, lasting bond with the surface. This can take up to 30 days, depending on the type of paint and the conditions.
In New Mexico’s dry climate, paint might dry faster than in humid regions — sometimes way faster. But don’t celebrate too soon, because curing is a whole other story. The extreme dryness can hinder the curing process if not handled properly.
One of the primary factors in the question of how long exterior paint takes to dry is the type of paint. Not all paints are created equal, and they don’t all behave the same way once they’re on the wall.
Drying happens when the liquid part of the paint — whether that’s water or oil — evaporates. Water-based paints like latex dry faster because water evaporates more quickly. Oil-based paints, on the other hand, take more time to dry because solvent evaporation and oxidation don’t happen as fast as water evaporation.
When you buy supplies, the label on the paint can will tell you what to expect in terms of drying times and when to apply additional coats. The manufacturer’s instructions aren’t random, and not following them can impact the drying and curing processes. In other words, you might end up with uneven coverage, cracking, or flaking paint.
Most homeowners choose latex-based paint for painting exterior surfaces, and for good reason. It’s a popular choice because it’s affordable, can handle the sun, and has quicker drying times than other options. But just because the surface is dry doesn’t mean the curing process is complete.
In general, you can expect the acrylic paint dry and cure times to be as follows:
Oil-based paints aren’t as popular for exteriors because they need more upkeep, and they’re tougher on the environment. Although they take longer to dry, they cure faster than latex paint, usually on the following schedule.
Many buildings in New Mexico feature stucco and concrete, so painting contractors use masonry paint specifically designed for these types of surfaces. Masonry paint requires extra time to penetrate and bind to the surface. Proper surface preparation and priming are pivotal, as skipping these steps will prolong the already lengthy curing time.
The timeline typically looks like:
Painting the exterior of your home is a process. While there isn’t much actual physical work to do after the last coat goes on, the paint still needs to cure for the project to be officially complete.
So, while many homeowners ask, “How long does exterior paint take to dry?” the real question is “How long does it take to cure?”
A fresh coat of paint will feel dry to the touch quickly, often within an hour or two if you use fast-drying exterior paint, like latex. However, it’s still vulnerable to damage from moisture, scratches, or impacts.
After a few days, the paint will begin to cure. It starts to harden, and light contact (like brushing against the wall) most likely won’t leave a mark. However, you should still avoid washing or scrubbing the surface during this time, as that can damage the finish.
From start to finish, outdoor paint cure duration can take up to 30 days, and after two weeks, most latex paints are halfway there. Paint will feel more solid and durable, but you should continue to take care to avoid damage.
After a month, enough time has passed for the paint to bond to the surface fully and reach maximum hardness.
One of the key factors in answering “How long does exterior paint take to dry?” is the local climate and weather conditions. New Mexico has characteristics that affect exterior paint, specifically its drying time.
There’s no question of humidity’s effect on paint’s drying period: High humidity levels make it take longer for water or solvents to evaporate.
With that in mind, it may seem that New Mexico’s low humidity (typically under 30%) creates optimal conditions for exterior paint to dry faster. It does, but the faster surface drying actually has a detrimental impact on curing. Humidity helps paints cure at the correct rate, so excessively dry air can prevent paint from curing evenly.
Many cities in New Mexico, including La Cruces, are situated at high elevations. At almost 4,000 feet above sea level, homes and businesses in Las Cruces receive more direct UV exposure than other places, which can cause paint to dry too quickly. Ultimately, this may lead to cracking, blistering, or an uneven finish.
Its position on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert means that La Cruces often experiences significant temperature variations between day and night. Even in the summer, temperatures can swing from above 90 degrees during the day to 50 degrees or lower at night.
What’s the temperature’s impact on paint drying? While cooler temperatures can slow down the drying time, wild fluctuations can delay the curing process and affect the paint’s adhesion.
New Mexico often experiences high winds and dust storms, particularly in spring and early summer. Strong winds can kick up particles that stick to wet paint and create an uneven surface, and dust in the air can interfere with proper adhesion.
To ensure optimal paint drying conditions, carefully plan your project.
In general, spring and fall are the best seasons for scheduling exterior painting projects. More moderate temperatures typically range from 50 to 85 degrees, and it’s slightly more humid, at least by Southwest standards. It’s also less windy, so you’ll get the best paint adhesion and curing without needing to deal with dust or other debris getting stuck in the wet paint.
If you must wait until the summer to paint your property, be aware that extreme temperatures, peak UV exposure, and low humidity can accelerate surface drying time. This increases the likelihood of surface defects, such as cracking or lap marks, which are those annoying streaks you see when one section dries before the next coat goes on. If you must paint during the summer, avoid working during the middle of the day when temperatures and UV exposure are at their peak to keep paint from drying too fast.
Professional painters don’t recommend painting exteriors during the winter. Not only are the low temperatures typically warm enough for adequate drying, but the shorter days and cooler nights also slow the curing process significantly
Seeing everything that goes into figuring out the answer to “How long does exterior paint take to dry?” can make the project seem overwhelming. Do you want your paint job to look sharp and last for years? Keep these pro tips in mind:
You need at least 48 hours of good weather for house painting. Even though New Mexico doesn’t get much rain, surprise rainstorms (especially during monsoon season) can ruin fresh paint.
Invest in paint formulated for hot, dry climates that includes sun protection to slow fading. Many brands offer “Southwest-specific” formulations designed to withstand the region’s sun and dry air in exterior paint colors that look great against the natural landscape.
Shade is your friend when painting the house! Sunlight dries paint quickly, so paint in the shade or follow the sun around your house. You can also use tarps or shade cloth to slow drying and improve results.
Clean surfaces are the key to great paint jobs with durable finishes. Wash off dust, patch cracks, and use a quality primer, especially on stucco or concrete surfaces, for the best results.
You might be in a rush to get the job done quickly, but globbing one thick coat of paint isn’t the way to save time. Multiple thin coats dry more evenly and cure better, which means fewer problems later.
Rushing through the painting process and not applying the product in thin coats can cause bubbling or peeling. Letting each coat of paint dry before applying the next is the best way to ensure proper curing. Allow at least two hours between the first coat and second coat for latex paints, four hours for masonry paints, and eight hours for oil-based paints.
Knowing the expert opinion on the question of how long exterior paint takes to dry, you might wonder when it’s safe to perform maintenance on a freshly painted surface.
As a general rule, it’s best to wait at least 30 days for the new paint job to cure before power washing, scrubbing, or applying any treatments. Washing too soon can damage the paint surface or cause spotting.
In New Mexico, environmental conditions can dramatically affect how exterior paint performs. Understanding everything that goes into determining how long exterior paint takes to dry and cure is essential to a successful painting project. A well-timed, carefully planned, professional paint job can last 10 years or longer, so take the time to do it right and keep your home looking vibrant for years to come.
If you’re thinking about updating your exterior paint to improve your home’s curb appeal, get in touch with the professional painting contractors of Engel Coatings Inc. Call 575-642-5481 to get started or request a free estimate. We know what goes into doing the job right, from prep and priming to perfecting the finish.
