How fast does paint dry?

The drying time of paint depends on the type of paint, the ratio of pigment to binder and environmental conditions. Latex and enamel paints dry faster than oil-based paints and may be dry to the touch in as little as an hour.

Latex and enamel paints dry faster than oil-based paints because they're water-based and dry through evaporation of the water from the mix of pigment and polymer molecules that binds to the surface being painted. Oil-based paints also go through evaporation, but their binders also go through chemical reactions to create long-lasting polymers. This slows drying time. All paints dry better when humidity is low, ventilation is good and temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.