How many coats of paint do professionals use?

Author: Ansley Bode  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

As you likely know, there are two major types of paint: oil-based paint and water-based (latex) paint. While specific rules may vary a bit based on situation and surface (more on that later), you typically want to use two coats of paint regardless of whether you are using oil-based or water-based paint.

Do professional painters use 2 coats of paint?

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.

How many coats does Sherwin Williams need?

Sherwin Williams Duration® Exterior Acrylic Latex paint is also self-priming and mildew-resistant, in addition to needing just one coat for repaints and two coats for new work.

How long do professional painters wait between coats?

The wait time between paint coats depends on the paint type, the surface, and environmental factors. Wait 2-4 hours for water-based latex paints, while oil-based paints may require 24 hours between coats for optimal results.

Why is my paint still patchy after 4 coats?

Patchy paint can result if paint has been applied unevenly. Patchy paint can be down to a variation in surface absorption.

How many coats of paint do you need?

Is 5 coats of paint too much?

In most situations, a good rule of thumb is to use a primer plus two coats of paint. If you use this rule, you may do one more coat than needed but this won't hurt the final product.

Does the first coat of paint always look bad?

DIY beginners sometimes assume that one coat of wall paint will do – and end up with patchy or thin paintwork. Usually, you'll have to apply at least two coats of paint to achieve a smooth, even finish. Applying multiple coats also helps build up the paint so it's more durable, and less prone to chipping.

Can I paint 2 coats of paint a day?

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.

Do professional painters sand between coats?

Conclusion. Sanding between coats of paint is a valuable step in the painting process that can greatly enhance the quality and longevity of your paint job. It helps to create a smoother and more professional-looking finish by eliminating imperfections and ensuring better paint adhesion.

What happens if I paint a second coat too soon?

What happens if you apply a second coat of paint too soon? Applying the second coat of paint before letting it dry will result in peeling, clumping, and bubbling that can be time-consuming and expensive to repair. It can also result in an uneven colour, ruining its appearance.

Why do painters prefer Sherwin-Williams?

Sherwin-Williams paint is thick because it uses more solids, which makes it easier to work with and will cover more surface area. Furthermore, most surfaces can be completely covered in one to two coats. Painting contractors aim to please because their reputation is on the line with every painting project.

How many coats does Benjamin Moore have?

While the high quality of our products sometimes makes one-coat coverage achievable, Benjamin Moore® recommends two coats to achieve full color development and to optimize performance. On bare substrates, two coats are recommended; previously painted surfaces can be finished with 1 or 2 coats.

What is the longest lasting Sherwin-Williams paint?

Which brand of exterior paint lasts the longest? Sherwin-Williams Duration is the longest-lasting exterior paint brand, according to Consumer Reports. This wonderful 100% acrylic latex paint resists fading, cracking, and peeling while offering the added benefit of being self-priming.

Should you paint ceilings in 1 or 2 coats?

Follow these guidelines for every kind of paint job: Two coats for ceilings if it's the same colour, but more if it's textured material or a different colour. Two coats plus one extra coat of primer for newly plastered walls or drywalls.

How do professionals match paint?

It shines a beam of light onto the color sample and takes a reading of each wavelength of light reflected off the sample. The spectrophotometer then matches the reading to an existing color formula or analyzes the reading to create a new color formula that can be used to mix a coating in a matching color.

Do painters charge per coat?

The average cost to paint the interior walls of a home ranges from $1 to $2 per square foot. This estimate typically includes 2 coats of paint on a clean interior wall. If you include ceilings, trim, and baseboards, the average cost for general interior painting increases to $3 to $6 per square foot.

What happens if you don't sand between paint coats?

However, generally speaking, if the first coat you apply is about perfect and there are no visible defects anywhere, then sanding may not be necessary if a second coat is applied right after the first one has dried. But once the first coat has fully cured, a second coat may not adhere as well as one would like.

Do professional painters sand walls before painting?

In most cases, professional painters don't wash walls with a detergent solution to avoid damaging the drywall or trim. Instead, most professional painters lightly sand or “scuff” the walls with a pole sander using fine-grit sandpaper.

Do I really need to wait 4 hours between coats of paint?

Latex paint requires at least four hours before you can add another coat. Wait at least eight to 12 hours before adding another coat of acrylic paint. Oil-based paints require at least 24 hours before you can apply another coat.

Is 1 gallon of paint enough for 2 coats?

On average, you can get about 400 square feet out of one gallon of paint. For an easy perspective, one gallon would likely cover a bathroom or small bedroom. But keep in mind that most rooms require more than one coat of paint. So if your room needs 2 coats, plan on getting around 200 square feet out of a gallon.

How long to leave paint between coats?

Ensure you leave at least 2 hours between coats. To be safe, for best results leave 4 hours.

Do you cut in before or after rolling?

Always cut in first then continue painting with a roller. Cut in and paint with a roller one wall at a time. If you cut in all areas first and then roll the entire room, the paint that was applied when cutting in will have dried quicker and you will be left with a patchy, uneven finish.

Should you paint over old paint?

Yes, you certainly can paint over painted walls, but not with just any old paint over any old painted wall. As long as the underlying paint is sound, you can paint over it, but to achieve a professional result, you'll need to know the specific factors that will give you a high-quality paint job.

What is a common mistake when painting with a roller?

Not Fully Loading the Roller

The roller needs to be fully loaded with paint to the core, otherwise you'll get air bubbles on your wall, resulting in “paint acne.” To avoid this mistake, roll back and forth on the roller tray until all bubbles are gone and the roller feels heavy.

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