Why You Should Let Your Acrylic Paintings Dry Between Layers

One of the most common mistakes I see with acrylic painting is rushing the process—especially when it comes to layering. I know how tempting it can be to keep adding paint while you’re in the zone, but trust me, giving each layer time to dry fully is crucial for creating clean, vibrant artwork.

Let’s dive into why this practice is so important and how it can make a big difference in your painting process.

1. It Prevents Muddy Colours

If you’ve ever ended up with dull, muddy colours in your painting, it’s likely because you painted over wet layers. When colours mix on a wet surface, they can blend in ways you didn’t intend, leading to a loss of vibrancy and clarity.

Penny’s Tip:
Allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next. This keeps your colours sharp and prevents them from unintentionally blending into each other. You can use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process if you’re impatient like me!

2. It Preserves Texture

Acrylics can hold beautiful textures, especially when you use mediums or thick layers of paint. But if you don’t let each layer dry, you can lose that texture by accidentally pulling up the wet paint underneath. This creates a lumpy or uneven surface, which can take away from the overall effect.

Pro Tip:
Let those textured layers dry fully before adding more paint. This way, you can build up texture without disturbing the layers underneath.

3. It Helps You Maintain Clean, Sharp Edges

When painting fine details or edges, working on a wet surface can cause the paint to smudge or blur. By letting your painting dry between layers, you can maintain clean lines and crisp edges where they’re needed.

How I Do It:
I make sure to let the background dry before adding any foreground details. This helps keep the edges of objects clean and prevents accidental smudging.

4. It Gives You Time to Evaluate and Adjust

Letting your painting dry between layers also gives you a moment to step back and evaluate your work. Sometimes, when the paint is wet, it’s hard to see the full effect of the colours and values. A dry surface allows you to make more accurate adjustments in the next layer.

Penny’s Process:
After each layer, I take a break and come back with fresh eyes. This helps me decide if the painting needs more contrast, a colour shift, or additional texture before moving on.

Final Thoughts

Letting your acrylic paintings dry between layers is a simple step that can have a huge impact on the final result. It keeps your colours vibrant, your textures intact, and your edges sharp—leading to a more polished and professional-looking painting.

Until next time, Keep splashing colours!
Penny 😊🎨✨