A light, thin layer often dries in just a few minutes. A heavy, very wet layer can take 15 minutes or more. The time depends on how much water you used, the temperature and the humidity in the room.
How can I tell if a layer is dry?
- Look at it from the side. If the paper still looks shiny, it's still wet.
- Touch it with the back of your finger. If it feels cool, there's still moisture in the paper, even if it looks dry.
- Check the color. Watercolor gets lighter as it dries, so wait until it stops changing.
What happens if I paint too soon?
Painting on a damp layer can lift the color underneath, make the colors blend, or leave flower-shaped marks called "blooms". If you want crisp edges and clean layers, wait until the layer is completely dry.
How can I speed up drying?
- Use a little less water. A damp brush tip, rather than a dripping one, dries much faster.
- Leave the sketchbook open, flat, in a warm and airy spot.
- Some painters use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting, held well away from the page, so the paint doesn't get pushed around.
- Work on another part of the painting while the first area dries.
Good to know
- Let your painting dry completely before closing your sketchbook, so pages don't stick or transfer color.
- Each layer you let dry helps the paper stay flat. See "How do I stop the paper from buckling or curling?"
- Your palette doesn't need to be fully dry before you pack it. See "How do I pack my palette if the paint is still wet?"