What is the drying agent in paint and why does wet paint smell so strong?

The drying agent in paint, often referred to as a "drier," is typically a metal salt that accelerates the oxidation and evaporation of solvents, helping the paint to dry more quickly. Wet paint smells strong primarily due to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvents it contains, which evaporate into the air as the paint dries. These VOCs can produce strong odors and may also have health implications, making proper ventilation important during and after painting.