As a versatile class of protective and functional materials, polyurethane (PU) coatings have seen widespread adoption across industries including automotive, marine, wood finishing, and construction, owing to their superior adhesion, flexibility, chemical resistance, and durability. The ultimate performance of these coatings is highly dependent on the curing and drying processes, which convert the applied liquid formulation into a solid, crosslinked film. This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of the fundamental mechanisms, coating types, influencing factors, evaluation methods, and recent advancements in PU coating curing and drying, drawing upon both established polymer engineering principles and contemporary research findings.