Two coats of BEHR DYNASTY® Exterior Paint are recommended for optimal durability. Individual results may vary. See back label instructions for details and warranty limitations.
Two coats are also recommended for optimal durability when painting exterior surfaces.
Good Surface Condition: If the existing paint is in good condition, with no significant damage, peeling, or discoloration, a single coat may be sufficient to refresh the appearance and provide adequate protection.
Another question we get asked a lot from DIY painters and other contractors is, “how many coats of paint do I need when painting the interior or exterior of a home. The general rule is that you should use two coats of paint.
Why Choose BEHR MARQUEE? One coat delivers peace of mind with exceptional hide and advanced stain-blocking.
Allow at least 8 hours of dry time between coats. On heavy stains and woods that contain tannins, allow 12-16 hours of dry time between coats. Longer dry time required in cooler temperatures and in higher humidity. Darker colors may require additional dry time between coats.
Based off our rule of thumb, two coats of paint is the absolute minimum you'll want for your walls. However, the material and previous colour of the wall can both influence this number – for unfinished drywall, for example, you'll want to add a coat of primer or undercoat paint too.
As a rule of thumb, you should always expect to apply two coats of paint regardless of what the label says. Colors such as reds, bright yellows, and oranges may require three or more coats. However, there are situations where one coat of paint is perfectly acceptable.
Use BEHR ULTRA™ paint as a primer for repaired or uncoated surfaces, including woods that contain tannins (two primer coats required for redwood and cedar) and heavily stained areas. Lock in stains with the first primer coat; if necessary, apply a second primer coat of BEHR ULTRA.
If the new color is “close” to the existing color, then generally only one coat is needed, even in the case of darker colors. Creating a substantial color change, or painting over white usually requires a second coat to prevent the underlying color from “peeking through”.
Use of a lower quality paint that has inadequate adhesion and flexibility. Over thinning the paint or spreading it too thin. Poor surface preparation, especially when the paint is applied to bare wood without priming. Painting under too cool conditions or in warm, windy conditions that make latex paint dry too fast.
One gallon of any BEHR paint is enough to cover between 250 to 400 square feet of surface area with one coat.
Of the two, satin is more durable and is slightly less likely to scuff or mark than eggshell and it's easier to clean when it does get marked. This makes it a better choice, especially for woodwork such as painting skirting boards, than eggshell for high traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.
Does Paint Dry Darker or Lighter? Paints typically dry darker, particularly oil, acrylic, and latex paints. However, that doesn't mean it will look different than what's on the paint swatch. If you mix the paint properly, it should look the same as the color you picked out once it dries.
Two thin coats recommended. 1-2 hours before recoat. Wait 24-48 hours before light foot traffic. 72 hours for full cure.
Our unopened cans have a 2 year shelf life, however, opened containers can last even longer if stored off the ground and in a room temperature area. When you're ready to paint again, stir the paint thoroughly to make sure the consistency and odor seem normal.
3) Applying over heavy stains, which may require spot priming, multiple coats, and/or longer dry time. Two coats are also recommended for optimal durability when painting exterior surfaces.
Number of Coats
“Yes, applying a second coat of paint will usually make the colour appear darker and more saturated.
Customers say that Behr Marquee paint is known for its thick consistency and vibrant color options, often delivering excellent coverage in one coat, particularly over similar shades. However, some users experienced the need for additional coats, especially when covering darker colors.
Semi-gloss: It takes roughly 1 hour to dry and 2 hours before applying the second coat. Matte Paint: 30 minutes to an hour for drying and 1-2 hours before applying the second coat. Eggshell paint: 1 hour to dry and 2 hours before applying the second coat.
What about prep for painting over existing paint? Just clean the walls to remove any dirt, grime and grease, let dry, dust and you're ready to go. No primer needed, just water thin the paint 10% for easier application and better coverage.
Consequences: Applying a second coat too soon can lead to peeling, streaking, and uneven colour distribution. Solution: Always follow the recommended recoat times and test a small area if you're unsure.
While it's tempting to apply the next layer right away, rushing the process can lead to bubbling, streaking, or peeling, ultimately ruining the finish. Painting over wet paint that hasn't thoroughly dried can cause bubbling, cracking, streaks, or clumps, resulting in an undesirable finish.
It's recommended to wait at least 24 hours before adding a coat of paint over your primer. Painting over it soon could cause your paint to adhere to the wall improperly, flaking and peeling.
Also, a second coat of paint helps remove roller marks by allowing you to feather out some of the unevenness in the finish. You can do this by overlapping the uneven areas to create a more uniform finish. However, you need to apply the paints with the proper technique for this to work.