A liquid composition additive for surface coatings such as paint or coal tar asphalt sealant is provided. The additive functions to significantly reduce the amount of time required for the surface coating to dry and thereby allows the coated surface to be quickly returned to service. Preferably, the additive is composed of a composition of fly ash hydrous ammonia, water, and a colorant. This formulation, when added to a liquid surface sealant or coating, will draw water out of the surface coating extremely fast thereby reducing the amount of time required for the surface coating to dry.