Whether it’s a project involving wood, metal or any other substance for the very purpose of prevention from corrosion, comes with genuine concern of how long does it take for polyurethane to dry, specifically if you’ve got it done the very first time.
This primarily depends on the type of Polyurethane being used, if it is water-based or oil-based. However, the standard time required by Polyurethane to get dry goes up to 24 hours, which is a recommended standard, as well. That’s when there is no likelihood of damage left and the surface is completely ready to be used.
How Long Does Stain Need To Dry Before Polyurethane Application
The very first step to Polyurethane application (coating) is to let the complete drying out of the stain i.e. the concern of how long to let the stain dry.
The most recommended time for stain need to dry lies between 24 hours and 48 hours
Besides, it’s also a cautious and effective approach if you wait for another day before going for the Polyurethane coating. This will eliminate the chances of any possible damage or sticking and goes well while you are refinishing hardwood floors.
Difference Between Drying And Curing Time Of Polyurethane
While both are the essential steps of any and every project involving Polyurethane, there is essentially a difference between the two.
Drying Time Of Polyurethane:
Drying time refers to the recommended timespan between the moments of the product being coated i.e. the time difference between multiple coatings.
Curing Time Of Polyurethane:
This is the recommended time span after the product is finished to the point of its usage i.e. the time length between product finishing and utilization.
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Time Spans For Different Types Of Polyurethane To Dry
How long does polyurethane take to dry does depend on the type being used. Besides, the number of layers being applied also affects the time of drying, as well. Given ahead are the two major versions of Polyurethane.
- Water-Based Polyurethane
- Oil-Based Polyurethane
How Long Does Water-Based Polyurethane Take To Dry
The water-based Polyurethane requires around 2 hours to get entirely dry. This, of course, is because of the relatively lighter consistency of the formula being used. However, water-based Polyurethane requires up to 21 days for complete curing.
It’s the type of Polyurethane that’s generally a part of the majority of coating applications as well as paints. Besides, its mainstream usage includes working as a protective coating for textile and wood.
How Long Does Oil-Based Polyurethane Take To Dry
The general drying timespan for oil-based Polyurethane goes up to 4 hours, considering that a fast-drying formula is being used. However, the heavy-formula oil-based Polyurethanes might take up a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of 48 hours for throughout drying.
As for the curing time required by Oil-Based Polyurethane, that usually is 30 days. This type of Polyurethane is vastly used for surfaces that need to be saved from scratches and abrasions.
Comparison Between Water-Based And Oil-Based Polyurethane
Let’s dive into those aspects that serve as distinctions between the two types of Polyurethane:
| Water-Based Polyurethane | Oil-Based Polyurethane |
| Thickness: Water-based Polyurethane is an acrylic product and thus is thinner | Thickness: Oil-based Polyurethane is a poly product and thus is thicker |
| Hardness: It is a harder coating, therefore is prone to scratching on the surface | Hardness: It is a softer coating, therefore is prone to dents on the surface |
| Drying Time: Requires around 4 to 6 hours (up to 4 layers can be applied in a day) | Drying Time: Requires around 24 hours (only one layer can be applied in a day) |
| Smell: Does not seem unpleasant or strong (is not a hazard if inhaled) | Smell: A very pungent chemical odor with harmful fumes (shouldn’t be inhaled at any cost) |
| Cost: It is usually expensive | Cost: It is not that expensive |
How Long Does Fast-Drying Polyurethane Take To Dry
Fast-drying formulas, of course, as the name suggests are used to achieve quick drying results. The general timespan required for such Poly is about 4 to 6 hours, considering the usage of a good-quality foam or natural-finish brush.
The application needs to be followed by proper and gentle sanding in order to ensure flawless adhesion and the smoothest finishing.
How Long Does Spray Polyurethane Take To Dry
Spray Polyurethane is the fastest drying version as it gets totally ready to be touched within 2 hours. After this time, the second coat can be applied, however, the surface will be ready for minimal usage after 24 hours (overnight).
Leave a timespan of at least 8 hours within coating sessions and allow the curing to take place for at least 3 days
Factors Affecting Polyurethane Drying Time
There are a number of different factors that can influence the very procedure of Polyurethane drying:
- Type Of The Finish: Type of the Polyurethane finish is a major influential factor and the two main types are Oil-based Polyurethane (involves liquid solvents, mineral and petroleum products as the base) and Water-based Polyurethane (mainly consists of water). An oil-based finish requires more time for drying as compared to a water-based one.
- Temperature: Temperature does play a significant role in determining the timespan needed for drying. The ideal temperature extent for the Polyurethane to get dried without getting damaged is between 70℉ and 77℉. Most manufacturers advise not to go for a Polyurethane application if the temperature lies in between 50℉. Higher temperature means quicker drying.
- Humidity: How long for polyurethane to dry does get affected by the extent of humidity present around, as well. The optimum level of humidity is 70% for oil-based Polyurethane and 50% for that of the water-based Polyurethane. A higher extent of humidity can delay the process of drying.
- Ventilation: Ventilation is necessary for the elimination of harmful fumes, specifically when oil-based Polyurethane is being used. Proper ventilation brings about rapid drying.
- Coating Thickness: Thin coats get dry faster as compared to the thick ones and turn to be the more even ones, as well. Besides, it becomes easier to have more coatings, as well.
- Application Manner: Wipe-on or Sprayed Polyurethane consumes less time for drying as compared to the application done with a brush or roller. That’s because the layering is done more finely and thus it gets dry quickly.
- Sheen Type: Gloss and semi-gloss Polyurethane sheens require more time for drying, unlike the matte and satin ones. Therefore, if possible go for the former types of sheens.
- Wood Condition: Raw wood induces rapid Polyurethane drying and similarity the finished one takes more time. Polyurethane application on an uncured stain also delays drying.
- Used Formula: Water-based Polyurethanes with fast-drying formulas require half of the time taken by fast-dry versions of the Oil-based Polyurethane.
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Tips For Speeding Up The Polyurethane Drying Time
There are certain ways in which you can accelerate the very process of drying your Polyurethane coating, such as
- Enhancing the surrounding temperature (but never more than 70℉)
- Applying thin layers and with the spraying or Wipe-on
- Opening windows or doors for allowing more ventilation
- Adequately preparing the surface before Polyurethane application
- Making use of the fast-dry formula
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Polyurethane Feel Sticky Even After 48 Hours?
Wood having natural oil is one of the most common causes that keep polyurethane from drying completely. To prevent sticky-feeling polyurethane even after 48 hours, it’s essential to wait for the first coat to dry completely before applying the second one.
Is There A Way To Speed Up Polyurethane Drying?
If your polyurethane involving project is getting done during fall, then it’s mandatory that you expose the treated part to a heater and the temperature up to 70℉. However, you’ll need to be extremely careful with the temperature and never let it exceed the room temperature as this can give rise to fire hazards.
Can A Fan Make Polyurethane Dry?
A fan can totally help with the Polyurethane drying and you can set it up at an appropriate spot for functioning. Besides, the requirement for the fan is only for the first day and you can lower the timing of its running as the initial buildup of fumes goes away.
Is It Okay To Put Multiple Layers Of Polyurethane?
The layers of Polyurethane must not be more than 3 because the excessive coating is never recommended nor is it essential. This is because the addition of each layer causes buffing off of the previous one and there is more time required for drying this way, too.
What Causes Polyurethane Cracking?
The moisture that gets released from the substrate, as well as the paintbrush’s turbulence, are the major causes of Polyurethane cracking. Always brush slowly and at best, try to do in the moderate temperature days, so as to get the best results.
What Is The Reason For Fish Eyes In Polyurethane?
Low surface energy particles present within the substrate often cause the appearance of the fish eyes in Polyurethane coating. The contaminated area does not let the wetting out of the coating and thus results in fish eyes.
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