Terrebine Driers for Shortening Paint Drying Time? General decorating topics, questions and answers. find help, tips and advice on completing your decorating projects

[Candelle]

I need to use an oil-based gloss paint on an exterior door.

I understand that I won’t have enough time for a conventional oil-based gloss to dry at this time of the year.

I have read of Terrebine Driers which could shorten the paint’s drying time. Could someone please advise if this product actually works?!

If it does, how much drying time would it save?

Many thanks for any advice.

[diydoctor6]

Great question, Candelle.

You are absolutely right that Terrebine Driers can be used to speed up the drying time for paints. They work by speeding up the oxidation process (they attract/adsorb more oxygen so the paint dries much faster).

You will need a paint that uses oxidation in it's drying process - you can find out more about types of paint here:

https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/types-of-paint.htm

The issue with using Terrebine Driers is that they speed up the drying process which can make the paint brittle and overly hard.

They are a very useful trick to have up your sleeve, but use with care.

I'll be interested to see what others say!