Acrylic paint dries quickly, within minutes in some cases. This fast drying time can lead to the question – once it’s dried, can you paint over it with more acrylic paint? The short answer is yes, you can paint over dried acrylic paint without any issues. However, there are some tips and techniques to follow to ensure you get the best results when painting over acrylic.
How long does acrylic paint take to dry?
Acrylic paint dries through a process called polymerization. The acrylic polymers link together as the water evaporates, forming a plastic-like film. How quickly this happens depends on several factors:
- Paint thickness – Thicker paint will take longer to dry than thinner paint.
- Environment temperature – Acrylic dries faster in warm conditions compared to cooler temps.
- Air circulation – Good airflow over the painted surface speeds up drying.
- Paint formulation – Some acrylic brands and colors dry faster than others.
On average, a thin layer of acrylic paint will be dry to the touch in about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Thicker paint may take 24 hours or more to fully cure. It’s best to wait at least 24 hours before painting over acrylic paint to be safe.
Should acrylic paint be sealed before painting over?
Sealing the acrylic paint before painting over it is not strictly necessary. However, it is recommended for a few reasons:
- Sealer provides a smooth, even surface for the new paint to adhere to.
- It prevents the new paint from interacting or lifting the old dried paint.
- The protective barrier prevents scratches and marks on the original painted surface.
Acrylic mediums like varnishes or polymer mediums make excellent sealers for acrylic paint. They dry fully transparent, so the original painting remains visible underneath. Apply 1-2 thin, even coats and allow to dry fully before adding more paint.
How to prepare the acrylic painting surface
Proper preparation is key to achieving great results painting over acrylic. Here are some tips:
- Let the paint dry fully, at least 24 hours. Test thicker areas to ensure paint is cured.
- Clean the surface to remove any oil, dust or grime that could impede adhesion.
- Sand lightly to degloss very shiny acrylic paints for better grip.
- Apply a sealer and let it dry per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- For extra adhesion, apply a thin layer of gesso before adding more paint.
What kind of paint can be used over acrylic?
Thanks to its flexible plastic surface when dry, nearly any type of paint can be used successfully over acrylic:
- More acrylic paint – Acrylic can be layered indefinitely.
- Oil paint – Allow acrylic to cure at least 1 week before painting oils over.
- Latex paint – A suitable option for painting over acrylic on walls.
- Spray paint – Acrylic provides a good basecoat for spray paint finishes.
- Gouache or watercolor – These thin water-based paints work over sealed acrylic.
Always check that the previous layer of acrylic has fully cured before painting over it. Avoid painting latex or plastic-based paints directly over uncured acrylics.
How to paint over acrylic paint
Follow these steps when painting over dried acrylic:
- Allow acrylic to dry fully, at least 24 hours.
- Clean and lightly sand the surface if needed for adhesion.
- Apply an acrylic sealer or gesso layer and let dry.
- Use thin layers of new paint. Build up opacity gradually.
- Let layers dry fully between applications for best results.
- Finish with a sealer if desired to protect the new paint.
Avoid applying new paint too thickly or quickly over acrylics. Thin, gradual layers produce the most professional, integrated layered painting.
Mistakes to avoid
When painting over acrylic, take care to avoid these common mistakes:
- Not allowing enough drying time – Painting over tacky or uncured acrylic can pull up and mix the old and new paint.
- Applying new paint too thickly – Thick paint may crack or peel off acrylic.
- Neglecting to seal – Bare acrylic can interact with new paint in undesirable ways.
- Not cleaning surface – Dust, oil and dirt can impede adhesion of new paint layers.
- Spray painting without basecoat – Spray paint adherence may be improved with a base layer of acrylic.
Tips for spraying paint over acrylic
Spray paint can be used successfully over acrylic but it’s best to follow a few tips:
- Allow acrylic paint to cure fully, ideally for 72 hours.
- Lightly sand glossy acrylic finishes to improve spray paint grip.
- Apply a basecoat of acrylic in a similar color to the spray paint.
- Use light spray paint coats. Avoid flooding the acrylic surface.
- Let the spray paint cure fully before applying finishing clear coat.
Can you use latex paint over acrylic?
Latex-based wall paints are fine to apply over cured acrylic paint:
- Allow acrylic paint to dry for at least 3 days before painting over with latex.
- Scuff sand shiny acrylic finishes to improve adhesion.
- Use an acrylic bonding primer before applying latex paint.
- Apply latex in thin coats and let dry fully between coats.
- Use a small roller or brush to press latex paint into the acrylic texture.
Avoid applying latex paint too thickly over acrylics. Thin coats produce the best results for adhering to acrylic’s unique surface.
How long should you wait before painting over acrylic?
Here are some recommended drying times before painting over acrylic:
- Acrylic to acrylic: 24 hours
- Oils over acrylic: 1 week
- Spray paint over acrylic: 72 hours
- Latex paint over acrylic: 72 hours
- Watercolor over acrylic: After sealing acrylic
Test thicker acrylic paint areas by pressing gently with your fingernail to ensure paint is fully cured before painting over.
Conclusion
Acrylic paint’s quick drying time makes it ideal for layering techniques. With proper preparation, nearly any type of paint can be used to paint over acrylic once it has fully cured. Allow adequate drying time between paint layers and use thin coats of new paint for best results. Sealing between paint layers provides extra insurance for adhesion. Follow these tips, and acrylic paint will provide a durable, flexible surface for painting over again and again.