# How to Dry Drywall Compound
After drywall has been installed, taped and sealed with drywall compound, the compound must be dried before it can be sanded, primed and painted. Drywall compound dries best in warm temperatures with a low humidity count. These conditions help speed up the evaporation process, which dries the compound. Drywall compound looks grey when wet and dries to a bright white finish. Speed up the drying process by increasing the heat and drying out the air in the room.
Things You'll Need
- Floor fans
- Heating source
Instructions
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Set as many floor fans as you can get your hands on in the room. Aim each fan at a different wall in the the room. Turn the fans on the highest setting to get the air flowing.
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Turn the home's furnace up to above 70 degrees F. This heat helps dry out the humidity in the air. If the temperature outside is below 70 degrees F, keep the windows and doors in the house closed. If the temperature is above 70 degrees F, and the humidity in the air is below 30 percent, open the doors and windows. This will help speed up the drying process.
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Check the drywall compound after 24 hours. If you still see grey coloration along the seams, it's not ready to sand. Wait until the compound has turned completely white before sanding.
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