Painting cupboards - drying time

[aberdeeneuan]

We had some new MDF cupboards made in our lounge to hide the AV gear. I've painted them up, primer, undercoat and top coat, but the question is - how long should I wait before putting stuff back on it?

I did this before and didn't leave it enough, and ended up with marks where the TV sat on it.

[Fatboy]

Does it give you a guide on the paint tin?

Failing that, what sort of paint is it, are they in a warm garage, a damp garage, in the house etc - all will make a difference to the drying/curing time...

I'd give it at least 48 hours to be on the safe side anyway...

[aberdeeneuan]

Fatboy said:

Does it give you a guide on the paint tin?

Failing that, what sort of paint is it, are they in a warm garage, a damp garage, in the house etc - all will make a difference to the drying/curing time...

I'd give it at least 48 hours to be on the safe side anyway...

Paint is Dulux Satinwood, cupboards are fitted in the lounge so currently getting the cool draft through the window but will warm up overnight no doubt.

I'd planned on at least 24 hours, but as you say, may well just give it the weekend as 48 hours should be long enough to cure I'd have thought?

It does mean watching the GP with the TV on the floor though!

[Fatboy]

The dulux website says 17 hours drying time, so I'd give it at least another 24 hours on top of that to make sure it's fully cured before putting something heavy like a TV on it...

If you're desperate to get the TV in place earlier, try gently picking at an out-of sight section with the corner of a sharp knife - if the paint is still soft it will roll up rather than chip/scratch as it will if the paint is fully hardened...