When To Put Furniture Back After Painting?
Published 2/19/2023 by Jack Magee
When it comes to painting, waiting for the paint to dry before putting furniture back can be frustrating. But how long should you wait before moving things back in? The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of paint, the finish, and the surface being painted.
Interior Walls Curing Time
For most interior wall paint jobs, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours before moving furniture back in. This is especially true if you’re using latex or water-based paint. Although the paint may feel dry to the touch within a few hours, it can take up to a full day for the paint to fully dry and cure. If you move furniture back in too soon, it can damage the paint or leave marks on the wall.
If you’re using Sherwin Williams SuperPaint for your walls, it’s important to note that this paint typically dries to the touch within 30 minutes and can be recoated in four hours. However, it’s recommended that you wait at least 24 hours before moving furniture back in.
Interior Trim or Bookshelf Curing Time
If you’ve painted bookshelves, the drying time will depend on the type of finish you used. For example, if you used Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Semi-Gloss, it can take up to 7 days for the paint to fully cure. During this time, it’s important to keep the shelves free of any objects because they may stick to or damage the finish. This is especially true for items with rubber or plastic bases, as they can leave marks on the surface.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane, you might consider Milesi Lacquer Coatings. These products are designed specifically for wood surfaces like bookshelves, and they offer a faster drying time of just 4-5 days, while also providing exceptional durability and protection.
Exterior Concrete Curing Time
The type of paint or stain you use is crucial when it comes to exterior flooring surfaces like concrete patios or decks. For example, depending on weather conditions, Sherwin Williams H&C Cool Feel Concrete Stain can take up to 48 hours to dry completely. During this time, it’s important to keep foot traffic off the surface to prevent damage to the finish.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the H&C Cool Feel Concrete Stain, you might consider Sherwin Williams Loxon XP. This product is specifically designed for concrete and masonry surfaces and is rated for use on flooring surfaces. It offers excellent durability and a fast drying time of just 4 hours.
Deck Staining Curing Time
For wood decks, the drying time will depend on the type of stain you use. Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Oil Stain typically dries within 24 hours but can take up to 48 hours to fully cure. This means you’ll need to wait at least two days before moving furniture or other items back onto the deck. If you’re using a solid color stain, such as Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Exterior Deck & Dock Coating, the drying time will be similar.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for drying times and follow best practices to ensure your newly painted surfaces remain looking great for years to come.