How to Make Oil Based Paint Dry Faster with Japan Drier

How to Make Oil-Based Paint Dry Faster

If you’ve ever painted with oil-based paint, you know the struggle.
You finish your first coat, step back feeling good…
…and then realize it’s going to take 24 hours to dry.

That’s a long time to wait before you can do your second coat, move furniture back, or even open the window without worrying about dust sticking to it.

Here’s the trick: Japan drier.

It’s a small additive you mix right into your oil based paint before you start. It works by speeding up the chemical curing process so your paint dries faster, sometimes in just a few hours instead of a full day.

A few tips if you’re going to try it:

• Start small. Japan drier is potent. You only need a little, usually just a couple of tablespoons per quart of paint.
  
• Mix thoroughly. Stir it in completely so it’s evenly distributed.
  
• Test it first. If you’ve never used it before, try it on a small area to see how it affects your working time.
  

It takes a little practice to get used to, because the paint will start setting up sooner than you might expect. But if you’re doing a big project with oil-based paint like trim, doors, or cabinets, it’s a game-changer. Less waiting.
Faster recoats.
And a lot more time to enjoy the finished project instead of watching paint dry.