If you’re planning to repaint the outside of your house, you’ve probably asked yourself one important question while gathering your supplies and planning your timeline: “Just how many total coats am I going to need here?” The truth is, using too many coats can be just as bad as using too few, and finding the right balance is key. Here are some factors you need to keep in mind so you can ensure a successful project.
Two Coats Is Often the Sweet Spot
For most exterior painting projects, two coats of paint over a quality primer is the standard. The first coat establishes solid coverage and a uniform base color, while the second coat evens out any streaks, fills in thin spots, and addresses any inconsistencies left behind.
Together, these two coats create a finish that’s durable and able to withstand sunlight, humidity, and anything else Mother Nature throws its way. Paint manufacturers formulate most exterior paints with two coats in mind, meaning the products themselves are also often designed to perform their best after two applications.
Three Coats Is Usually Too Many
It might seem like adding a third coat of paint would only make your exterior more protected and your color deeper and richer, but this typically isn’t the case at all. Applying more paint than necessary can actually lead to all kinds of problems down the road, including a surface that’s far more prone to cracking, peeling, and alligatoring.
Excess paint layers can also trap moisture beneath them, which is the very last thing you want when living in the notoriously humid North Texas area! But on top of all this, a third coat also adds unnecessary cost and labor to your project, without any true benefits.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
Remember that every project is a little different, and a few small factors can dictate how many coats you’ll need. Dramatic color changes, such as going from a dark shade to a lighter one, may require an additional coat to fully cover the old color. But on the other hand, some high-quality paint and primer combos can occasionally achieve solid coverage in a single coat, depending on the surface condition and color.
This is why if you’re ever unsure, it’s best to leave things in the hands of a team of pros. Not only will they be able to accurately assess your needs in terms of coverage, but they can also ensure a job well done at the end of the day!
About Platinum Painting
Here at Platinum Painting of Flower Mound, we’ve helped thousands of North Texas homeowners get lasting, beautiful results! We offer a wide range of interior and exterior painting services for projects of all shapes and sizes and can ensure your home gets the attention it needs to look its best. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule a FREE estimate with our team of experts, you can reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (214) 304-7133.