How Long Does Polyfilla Take To Dry?

Over time, houses become well-loved, which also means they’ll suffer from minor imperfections. One or two holes and cracks in your walls may look fine, but once it starts looking like Swiss cheese, you’ll need to take action.

Luckily, you don’t have to do a whole spackling job; Polyfilla can save the day. However, for this hole filler to be effective, you’ll have to let it dry correctly.

How long does Polyfilla take to dry, and what factors can influence the drying time? Read on to find out.

How Long Does Polyfilla Take to Dry?

The amount of time it’ll take for Polyfilla to dry will depend on which product you’re using. For example, the one that’ll dry the quickest is Polyfilla Advanced (ready mixed), as it’ll be dry in as little as 30 minutes. On the other hand, the Polyfilla Flexible Gap (gun application) takes over 24 hours to completely dry.

The important thing is to read the instructions for the product you’re using, then wait a bit longer to make extra sure that the Polyfilla’s set.

Factors Impacting Polyfilla Drying Times

Of course, the above information should only be taken as a general guideline. There are several things that can cause Polyfilla to dry slower.

Thickness

Those who paint their nails will understand that the thicker the layers of Polyfilla, the longer it’ll take to dry. If you’re filling deep holes or cracks, expect those to take much longer to dry all the way through than filling a superficial hole.

Temperature

In general, warmer temperatures will dry Polyfilla faster and cold temperatures will slow down drying. If possible, apply Polyfilla in an environment where the temperature is within the recommended range on the product’s packaging.

Humidity

High humidity will slow the drying process. This is because there’s more moisture in the air, which prevents the water in the Polyfilla from evaporating as quickly.

How to Make Polyfilla Dry Faster

We can’t always apply Polyfilla in an ideal environment, plus it’s always nice to have it dry as quickly as possible. Here are some ways you can speed up the process.

Improve the Air Circulation

Good air circulation helps evaporate moisture. Ensure there’s proper ventilation in the area, and add more by pointing a fan directly at the surface.

Use a Hair Dryer

Put your hair dryer on the lowest heat setting to apply warm air directly to the Polyfilla. Be careful though, as you don’t want to overheat or scorch it.

Apply a Heat Gun

A heat gun can work too, as long as you use it on the low or moderate heat setting. Keep the gun moving to avoid overheating the Polyfilla.

Make Your Home Look as Good as New

Now you know the answer to the question, “How long does Polyfilla take to dry?” In addition, you’ve learned about the various factors that can speed up or slow down the process.

Armed with this information, you’ll be able to take care of small cracks and holes in your home. It’ll be easy to erase those blemishes!Keep reading our blog to find out more about interior renovations if you’re making more improvements to your home.