If you’ve ever researched exterior painting in preparation for painting your home, you might’ve made one discovery early on: not everyone agrees on how many coats are truly needed. Some people think that more is better and three coats should be the absolute minimum, while others firmly believe that if it’s the right coat, it’s a one-and-done type of job. However, the answer is actually pretty dependent on the project in question. Here’s what you need to know.
The Standard: Two Coats
Simply put, for the vast majority of exterior painting projects, two coats of paint are considered the industry standard, and in most cases, it’s going to be what you need. The first coat establishes the base color and helps the paint adhere properly to the primed surface, while the second coat evens out the colors and makes sure the paint is durable enough to withstand hot and cold temperatures, the elements, wear and tear, and UV light. Two coats, when applied correctly, typically provide excellent coverage and beautiful color for several years that can’t be achieved with a single coat.
Is Three Coats Ever Necessary?
That said, there are some situations when three coats may be needed, but they aren’t very common. If you’re making a dramatic color change, like from dark brown to bright white, an extra coat can sometimes help fully cover the old color and prevent it from bleeding through. Uneven or porous surfaces, like stucco or weathered wood, might also benefit from a third coat for fuller, more uniform coverage.
It’s worth mentioning that when using a third coat of paint, though, you must be very careful. Applying too many coats can actually cause problems like cracking, peeling, or an uneven finish, especially if the paint isn’t given enough time to cure, which can take much longer if multiple coats are used.
More paint isn’t always best, and if you’re ever unsure, it’s worthwhile to speak with a team of pros for their opinion. Once they’ve assessed your surface and spoken with you in depth about what your goals, they can let you know how much paint is appropriate—and can also ensure a job well done!
About Platinum Painting of Richardson
For over 15 years, our team here at Platinum Painting has proudly provided home and business owners all across the DFW metroplex with a wide range of interior and exterior painting services. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule a FREE home estimate, don’t wait to visit us online or call today for more information. Telephone: (469) 283-6012.