2007-10-20 17:33:21 · 3 answers · asked by R E 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It is still a closed system, kind of like a covered pan of boiling water. Sure the solvent can go into the air but with the
lid on it's just as likely for gas molecules to go back into the
base solvent, and the paint stays wet.
2007-10-20 17:43:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In an open paint can, or in paint that has been painted onto a surface, the solvents will evaporate and be carried away by the wind until they are all gone. In a closed paint can, they will evaporate until the solvent's vapor pressure is reached, and then it will be in equilibrium. That equilibrium is reached very quickly in a full can, but in a quarter full can, a lot of solvent can evaporate before equilibrium is reached. You can alleviate the problem somewhat by adding extra solvent before you close the can.
2007-10-21 01:40:08 · answer #2 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't "air" that dries something out, it is evaporation. If the lid is on, the liquid cannot evaporate.
2007-10-21 00:45:34 · answer #3 · answered by Lady S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋