how long does it take the first coat of paint to dry on walls
Paint cures by reacting with oxygen in the air to form a skin over deeper, still wet layers. Eventually, oxygen reaches the deeper layers as well, drying them; thus the 30 day cure time. Oil paints take longer to dry, to recoat and to cure. The first coat will take 12 to 24 hours to dry enough to apply a second coat. Oil paint also cures by binding with oxygen. I have read if you thin your oil paint, you can paint 2 thin layers instead of 1 or 2 thick layers. The thinned paint dries in less time.