1 coat versus 2

 Some people will say one thick coat is good enough while others swear two is the only way to go. Although there is truth in both statements there really are times one is a better choice than the other. An obvious example of when two coats is needed is on a newly built home or a residential home that is completely changing color. An example of when one coat is a good idea is when you're doing a color match or slightly changing color. As long as the proper prep work has been done you will be in good shape and still have a lasting product. If you do one coat spot priming is an absolute must. A tip for spot priming is using a product that is the same or similar color to what you will be painting.

Another example of when one thick coat would be applied may be because of the customer's budget. As long as YOU the customer don't mind then this can be ok. Everything still must be prepped right though for things to last. If you go this route depending on the painter, you hire there are some risks. The color may cover 85% rather than 100%. Some areas may be missed or need to be redone. Again, as long as the prep work is done right and you're painting a similar color, or the same color one coat is all you really need. In cases where your using stain, one coat may be all you need or can do depending on the product you're using. Oil based stains typically just need one coat to achieve the desired result. New surfaces need 2 coats of paint every time and probably even a primer coat if you want it to last as long as possible. If a home is in really rough shape and you're doing the same or similar color, then this may be a case where two coats of paint is required as well.

If you're using a solid, water-based stain then you can also do two coats for a lasting finish. New drywall areas definitely need two coats along with 1 for sure maybe even 2 coats of PVA primer. It's not that hard to determine if you're going to need 1 coat or two. Following these simple steps will make it a lot easier to determine what you need. Simple rule of thumb would be if you're going with the same or very similar color only one is really needed as long as the surface underneath's paint is still in good shape and not peeling. If you're painting something for the first time or completely changing colors then you most likely should have two coats done.