Silicone typically becomes dry to the touch within about 30 minutes to an hour, but this is just the initial drying phase. The full curing process, which makes the silicone fully hardened, waterproof, and ready for exposure to conditions such as water or stress, generally takes around 24 to 48 hours. Factors such as the thickness of the silicone layer, environmental conditions like temperature and humidity, and the type of silicone used can influence drying and curing times. Thinner layers and higher humidity can speed up drying and curing, while thicker applications and cooler, drier conditions slow it down. For some specialized or thick silicone applications, curing could take several days. To speed up drying, using fast-curing silicone, increasing ventilation, warming the area moderately, and applying thin layers are helpful strategies. It is important to distinguish between drying (surface dry) and curing (full strength and waterproof) when working with silicone sealants.