The process of interior painting tends to raise a lot of questions, and the further you get into the project the more questions you may uncover.
Unless you fall into the category of those who absolutely love to spend an afternoon carefully cutting in around corners and watching fresh swaths of paint appear behind your roller, you may wonder just how quickly you can work through your project. And, specifically, how many coats of paint you’ll need to invest in.
The truth is, the answer to this question is dependent on a number of factors. To give you a ballpark idea, however, let’s take a closer look at a few possible scenarios.
Make Sure You’re Covered! Choose the Right Number of Coats for Your Painting Project
Before you think the answer is as simple as 1, 2, or 3, we should say that every project, color, and surface is a little different and has unique requirements. The guidelines below, however, will give you a sense of what your particular project may involve.
- One Coat– Are you simply refreshing an existing color? If so, one coat may be all you need.
- Two Coats– Are you painting a darker color over an existing lighter color? In this case, you may only need two coats of paint. This is because a darker color covers a lighter one easily, allowing for fast and efficient coverage. It is important to know, however, that some darker colors require multiple coats before they look smooth and even. Research the color you’re interested in to get a sense of how tricky it is to work with.
- Three Coats– In this last scenario, three coats would actually be the absolute minimum number needed. This most labor-intensive case is when you are painting a light color over an existing dark color. Your best course of action would be to lay down a coat of light primer over the dark wall, allowing for easier coverage when it comes to applying the new topcoat. Depending on your color choice, it might also be advantageous to look into the option of a primer that is slightly tinted with your new wall color.
Pro Tip:
As hard as it can be to wait, allow plenty of time for each coat to dry before you apply another. This can be the difference between a streaky, patchy finish and a flawless one.
Set Your Painting Project Up for Success
To ensure just as smooth a project as possible, here are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Paint Quality – Investing in a quality paint product really does matter; all paint is not created equal.
- Tools – Rather than simply bring your old, trusty brush out of retirement, invest in fresh tools specifically designed for the work you need them to do.
- Sheen – Lower gloss paint is very forgiving, rolling into place easily and quickly covering blemishes. It is, however, not as durable as higher-gloss paint. Be sure you pick the right sheen for your specific project.
Do You Need a Professional Home Painter?
Talking to a reputable painter is the easiest way to guarantee a beautiful finish, and you’ll never need to worry about the number of coats. If you live in the area of Westchester County, we hope you’ll reach out to us at A.G. Williams Painting Company. While a small, DIY painting project can be fun, there is simply no substitute for putting the health and beauty of your home’s surfaces into the hands of professionals who care.