How Soon Can You Paint Over Drywall Mud In Winter In Canada?

Walls are the first thing people notice when they step into a room. They define the ambiance, character, and overall feel of a space. 

Whether it’s a cozy home or a professional office, a flawless wall finish is what makes an interior look complete. It’s the final touch that showcases all the time, money, and effort spent on renovations.

However, achieving that perfectly smooth and polished finish takes more than just a coat of paint. Wall imperfections—like cracks, dents, and screw holes—need to be properly patched and prepped before painting.

That’s where drywall mud (joint compound) comes in. It fills gaps, hides flaws, and ensures a seamless surface for painting.

But here’s the problem: many people rush the process. 

A common mistake is painting over drywall mud before it’s fully dry. This leads to cracking, peeling, uneven textures, and even paint failure. The end result? 

An eyesore and wasted time.

In Ontario’s winter, drying times are even more unpredictable. Cold temperatures, humidity, and poor ventilation slow down the drying process, increasing the risk of moisture getting trapped under the paint. 

If you don’t let drywall mud cure properly, you’ll end up redoing the entire job.

So, how long should you wait before painting over drywall mud in cold weather? 

And more importantly, how can you speed up drying without compromising quality?

How Long Does Drywall Mud Take to Dry in Winter?

Winter in Ontario, Canada, brings challenges for home improvement projects, and drywall mud drying time is no exception. 

In ideal conditions, joint compound dries within 24 hours, but cold temperatures and high humidity can extend this process to 48 hours or longer.

Typical Drying Times in Different Seasons in Canada

• Summer (Warm, Dry Air): 12-24 hours, faster drying

• Spring/Fall (Mild Conditions): 24-36 hours, moderate drying

• Winter (Cold, Humid Air): 48+ hours, slowest drying

Why Drying Takes Longer in Cold, Humid Conditions

Winter air holds more moisture, making it harder for drywall mud to evaporate and cure. Cold temperatures slow down chemical reactions, delaying hardening. 

Plus, poor ventilation in sealed-up winter homes traps humidity, further increasing drying time.

Signs That Drywall Mud is Fully Dry

It’s tempting to assume drywall mud is dry just by looking at it, but appearances can be deceiving. Painting over wet drywall mud leads to serious issues, so it’s crucial to check for dryness first.

Here’re 3 ways to know if drywall mud is ready for painting:

• Visual Check: The surface should be uniform in color with no dark or damp spots.

• Touch Test: Press lightly—it should feel firm, not soft or cool.

• Sanding Test: When sanded, dry mud produces fine dust, while damp mud clumps.

Skipping sanding can result in a rough, uneven finish, and painting too soon traps moisture, leading to costly repairs later.

Read on Are Home Renovations In Etobicoke Worth It

Factors That Affect Drywall Mud Drying Time in Winter

Several key factors determine how long it takes for joint compound to fully dry before painting.

1. Temperature

Cold air slows down evaporation, while indoor heating can create dry conditions that help speed up drying. However, cold drafts from windows or doors can disrupt the process.

2. Humidity Levels

High humidity prevents moisture from escaping, keeping drywall mud damp for longer. Using a dehumidifier can help reduce excess moisture.

3. Ventilation

Good airflow removes trapped moisture, but too much cold air can slow drying instead of helping.

4. Layer Thickness

Thicker layers take longer to dry. Applying thin, even coats ensures faster and more even drying.

5. Type of Drywall Mud

Pre-mixed joint compound dries by evaporation, while setting-type mud hardens chemically and is less affected by cold.

How to Speed Up Drywall Mud Drying Time in Cold Weather

Waiting too long for drywall mud to dry in winter can be frustrating. Here’s how to speed up the process without compromising quality:

• Use space heaters and dehumidifiers to control temperature and reduce excess moisture.

• Increase ventilation by running fans, but avoid letting in too much cold air that could slow drying.

• Choose fast-drying joint compound, especially setting-type mud, which cures faster in cold conditions.

• Apply thinner layers instead of one thick coat to promote quicker evaporation and consistent drying.

Want a Smooth, Professional Paint Finish?

Getting the perfect paint job starts with proper preparation. Drywall mud needs the right drying time, especially in Canada’s cold weather. 

Let Custodia’s experts handle the process for a flawless, long-lasting finish.

Book your free consultation today! 

Call 1-833-410-4357 or Book Online for professional painting services you can trust.