air-drying

Air-drying is the process of allowing paint, coatings, or other materials to dry and cure naturally through exposure to air at ambient room temperature, without the use of heat or forced drying methods. In painting, air-drying typically refers to solvent- or water-based paints that dry as the liquid components evaporate into the atmosphere.

In the context of painting and decorating in Australia, air-drying is commonly used for:

• Interior and exterior wall paints
• Timber finishes like stains and varnishes
• Primers and undercoats

Key characteristics of air-drying:

• Time-dependent: Drying time varies based on temperature, humidity, airflow, and the type of paint used.
• No special equipment required: Unlike oven-drying or force-drying, it doesn’t require heat lamps or drying booths.
• Environmental factors matter: High humidity or low temperatures can significantly slow down the drying process.

Example:
When applying a water-based acrylic wall paint in a residential home in Sydney, the paint will typically be touch-dry in 30 minutes to 1 hour and ready for a second coat in 2 hours under normal air-drying conditions (around 25°C and 50% humidity).