Exterior Painting: Drying Time Between Coats Of Sherwin-Williams Paint

Sherwin-Williams is a premium paint brand, offering both oil-based and water-based paints. The former dries overnight, while the latter dries within an hour. However, the company recommends waiting 2-4 hours between coats for water-based paint and 24 hours for oil-based paint. Painting in hot weather speeds up drying but can cause adhesion issues, and painting should be finished 3-4 hours before sunset to prevent moisture-related problems. Water-based paint is more popular, but oil-based paint is more durable. A second coat is recommended to smoothen the surface and fill in brush strokes, and a third coat may be necessary for darker paints.

Sherwin Williams paint: water-based vs oil-based

When it comes to painting, there are two main types of paint to choose from: water-based and oil-based. Each has its own advantages and considerations, and understanding these can help you make the right choice for your project. Here's a detailed comparison between water-based and oil-based Sherwin Williams paint to help you decide which one is more suitable for your needs:

Water-Based Sherwin Williams Paint

Water-based paint, also known as waterborne or acrylic paint, has become an increasingly popular option due to its environmental benefits and ease of use. Water-based paint typically dries faster than oil-based paint, often within an hour, and it is also easier to clean up since it uses water as a solvent. This type of paint is ideal for interior projects and smooth interior surfaces, including trim, bookcases, and cabinets. Sherwin Williams' ProClassic Waterbased Acrylic Alkyd paint, for example, offers excellent coverage and workability, making it a preferred choice for interior painting projects. It is also known for its self-levelling properties, which make it perfect for achieving a smooth finish on interior wood projects.

Oil-Based Sherwin Williams Paint

Oil-based paint, on the other hand, is known for its durability and ability to provide a hard, smooth finish. It is often the go-to choice when a harder finish is required. Oil-based paint typically has a longer drying time, usually drying overnight, and it requires mineral spirits for clean-up, resulting in a stronger odour during the drying process. Natural brushes are typically recommended for oil-based paint. Sherwin Williams' ProClassic Alkyd Enamel is a popular oil-based paint known for its smooth, hard finish and excellent flow and levelling properties.

Environmental Considerations

It is worth noting that water-based paint is generally considered more environmentally friendly due to its lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) content. VOCs are compounds that can have adverse effects on air quality and human health. Sherwin Williams' water-based paints, such as the ProClassic Waterbased Acrylic Alkyd, are designed to meet strict environmental regulations while still providing a high-quality finish.

Cost Comparison

When considering the cost, water-based paint tends to be more expensive upfront, with the ProClassic Waterbased Acrylic Alkyd having a retail price of $102 per gallon in 2023. However, it is important to note that oil-based paint may require additional costs for specialized brushes and solvents.

In conclusion, both water-based and oil-based Sherwin Williams paint have their strengths and considerations. Water-based paint is often preferred for its convenience, faster drying time, and environmental benefits, while oil-based paint is chosen for its durability and hard finish. Ultimately, the decision between the two depends on the specific requirements of your painting project.

How long to wait between coats

When painting with Sherwin Williams paint, the time you should wait between coats depends on the type of paint you are using. For water-based paint, the paint will be dry within an hour, but it is recommended that you wait 2-4 hours before applying the next coat. For oil-based paint, the paint will dry overnight, and you should wait 24 hours before applying a new coat.

It is important to note that painting on a hot day can speed up the drying time but can also cause the paint to have trouble adhering to the surface, especially if the temperature rises above 100°F (37.7°C). In this case, the paint may peel in the future.

Additionally, it is recommended to finish painting at least three hours before sunset to prevent moisture from getting on the paint film and causing problems.

If you are painting with Sherwin Williams water-based paint, you may be able to apply the second coat later in the day. However, if you are using oil-based paint, it is better to wait until the next morning.

The benefits of waiting between coats

Waiting between coats of paint is crucial to achieving a smooth and professional-looking finish. Here are the benefits of waiting the appropriate amount of time between coats:

Avoiding Paint Issues

Waiting the recommended amount of time between coats helps prevent issues such as paint peeling, bubbling, clumping, and flaking once it has dried. Applying a second coat too soon can cause uneven colouring in certain spots on the wall.

Allowing Proper Drying

Each coat of paint must dry before the next coat is applied. There are three distinct time frames to consider: dry time, recoat time, and cure time. Dry time refers to the time it takes for the paint to become tack-free and dry to light contact, usually between 1 and 6 hours. Recoat time is the period needed for the paint to be ready for another layer, typically between 4 and 24 hours. Cure time is when the paint hardens completely and is safe to wash or touch without damage, which can take a couple of weeks.

Enhancing Adhesion and Durability

Waiting between coats ensures that each layer of paint has adequate time to adhere properly to the surface. This improves the durability of the paint job, resulting in a longer-lasting finish.

Achieving Optimal Colour and Finish

Waiting the recommended time between coats allows the previous layer to fully dry and set, helping to prevent smudging, streaking, or uneven colour distribution. It also enables the paint to penetrate the surface more effectively, resulting in a deeper, more vibrant colour.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Rushing the drying process by applying multiple coats too quickly is a common mistake that can lead to a tacky finish, uneven colouring, or even damage to the surface. Following the manufacturer's instructions for drying and recoating times helps to avoid these issues and ensures a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

How to save on Sherwin Williams paint

Join the Paint Perks Loyalty Program

By joining Sherwin Williams' loyalty program, Paint Perks, you can receive a $10 coupon for any purchase of $50 or more. You will also be notified of big sales and receive lower pricing.

Buy Paint When It's on Sale

Sherwin Williams paint goes on sale quite often, with discounts of 30-40% off. You can sign up for their email list to be notified of these sales. If you're unsure about the colours, you can still purchase the paint and decide on the colours later.

Use a Tinted Primer

If you're painting over a dark or bright colour, you will need to prime first. To save on paint and labour costs, you can make the first coat a tinted primer, which will block out the colour underneath.

Military Discount

If you or your spouse has served in the military, you can receive a 15% discount on Sherwin Williams paint.

Use the Promar 200 Line

The Promar 200 line is a high-quality, lower-priced line of paint made specifically for painters. It is only available in Sherwin Williams stores.

Buy Paint in 5-Gallon Buckets

You can take advantage of quantity discounts by buying paint in 5-gallon buckets. This is especially useful if you are painting multiple rooms in the same colour, as it will create a cohesive look and save you money.

Shop at Lowe's

Although the selection is more limited, Sherwin Williams' Ovation line, which is available at Lowe's, offers good-quality paint at a lower price than what you would find at a Sherwin Williams store.

Ask About "Oops" Paint

"Oops" paint is returned paint that wasn't used, often because a customer changed their mind or over-ordered. You can usually buy this paint at a discount, although you will be limited to the colours and quantities available.

Use an Online Paint Calculator

To avoid over or underestimating how much paint you need, use an online paint calculator. This will help you determine how much paint to buy and reduce the chance of needing to make multiple trips to the store.

Sign Up for a PRO+ Account

With a PRO+ account, you can access colour resources and order samples. You can also make payments, access invoices, and view past orders.

The best surfaces for oil-based and water-based paint

The best surface for your paint job will depend on the type of paint you are using, as well as your budget, the effect you want to create, and your personal preference.

Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paints are versatile and can stick to many different types of surfaces. However, rigid surfaces are generally more durable than flexible surfaces. Rigid surfaces include wood panels, masonite, gatorboard, and Dibond, while flexible surfaces include canvas, linen, and paper.

#### Rigid Surfaces

Wood panels are one of the oldest surfaces used for oil painting and have proven to be archival, with paintings on wood lasting for centuries. However, access to power tools may be required to cut wood panels to the desired size. Other rigid surfaces such as masonite, gatorboard, and Dibond are also good options as they are affordable, durable, and not prone to warping.

#### Flexible Surfaces

Flexible surfaces are lightweight and can be easily cut to the desired size. They also offer a wider variety of finishes, including the unique texture of canvas. However, they are more prone to damage from humidity, punctures, and tears, and may be more likely to crack over time.

Water-Based Paints

Synthetic brushes are best for applying water-based paints. Water-based paints are typically used for interior projects and are available in a variety of collections to suit different aesthetic design needs.

Priming

Regardless of the surface chosen, it is crucial to prime the surface before painting with oil-based paint to protect the substrate from the corrosive effects of the paint. For water-based paints, the surface should be properly prepared, especially if the surface has been coated previously.

Frequently asked questions