how long does acrylic paint take to dry about 10 to 20 minutes to dry to the touch, depending on factors like the thickness of the paint, the temperature, and the humidity of your environment. However, for the paint to fully cure and be ready for additional layers or handling, it can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. Thicker applications of paint will naturally take longer to dry. If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the drying process by using a fan or applying thin layers.