Term: drying & hardening of water-based paints

Drying & hardening of water-based paints refers to the physical and chemical processes that occur after the paint is applied, leading to the formation of a solid, durable film on the painted surface.

1. Drying

This is the initial stage where water (the solvent in water-based paints) evaporates into the air. As the water evaporates:

• The paint film becomes touch-dry.
• Pigments and binders (usually acrylic or latex) begin to coalesce and form a continuous film.

Factors affecting drying:

• Temperature
• Humidity
• Airflow
• Film thickness

2. Hardening (Curing)

After the paint is dry to the touch, it undergoes hardening, also known as curing. This is when:

• The binder particles fuse together more completely.
• The paint film gains its final hardness, durability, and chemical resistance.

Note: In water-based paints, hardening is primarily a physical process (coalescence of polymer particles), unlike oil-based paints which cure through oxidation (a chemical reaction).

Summary:

• Drying = Water evaporates → paint becomes touch-dry.
• Hardening = Binder particles fuse → paint reaches full strength and durability.

In practical terms, a wall may feel dry in a few hours, but full hardening (and therefore resistance to cleaning or abrasion) may take 7–30 days, depending on the product and conditions.