Curing time for painted furniture

Whether you are a furniture painter or a purchaser of painted furniture you will have heard about a curing time.  

But do you really know why painted and waxed furniture has to cure and what that means?  

Do you know what happens during that elusive cure time and why it’s so important?

Once paint is applied and sealed (or even if it has a built in sealer) it is always best to treat a piece carefully for about 30 days. 

What Happens When Paint Cures

Most of the paints that we use today for walls, furniture and crafts are water based paints, not oil based.  When water based paint is mixed, one of the main ingredients is… tada… water!

After you apply paint to a piece of furniture or wall, the water in that mix will evaporate.  

Guess how long it takes for the water to evaporate from paint? Yep… 21 to 30 days. As the water evaporates, and the other ingredients harden, it will become as tough as nails and able to resist scratches and wear.

Be Gentle

During that cure time, it truly is very important to be gentle. With the water working to evaporate, and the other ingredients working to harden, the paint is not “ready” for extended use yet. Once the water is gone, it will be hard and ready for everyday use.

If you are not gentle during the cure time, the paint is much more likely to be scratched or chipped off.  Because it is not fully hardened, it is not adhered completely to the surface. 

Be Sure to Cure

The next time you paint a piece or buy a piece of painted furniture, remember how important it is to let the paint cure. If you can wait the full 30 days to really use the piece, you will notice a huge difference.The paint on your piece should be wonderful for you for years to come if it is allowed to cure properly. It’s always best to treat your painted and waxed furniture with respect, using coasters and placemats to prevent any heat damage, this will keep your furniture looking its best for years to come.

Liquid furniture polishes should also be avoided, using a dry duster or a slightly damp cloth to keep it clean.

And… if you are a furniture painter that sells your pieces, be sure to educate your clients.   Let them know how important paint curing is if they purchase the piece before the curing process is complete.

Please feel free to join my Facebook group Doodledash Creatives for further hints, tips and inspiration. 

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