That 1 Painter is the fastest-growing painting company in the world. Painting your house can be complicated, but with our expertise, we make the process easy and stress-free for homeowners. With locations across the nation, we have helped tens of thousands of homeowners make the best choices for their homes without sacrificing quality, and we are here to show you how.
It’s one of those questions that comes up every time someone starts a project.
You’re standing in the paint aisle
staring at cans that promise things like “one-coat coverage”
and wondering if you really need to go around the room twice.
Even if the color seems to be going on strong with the first pass,
there’s a lot more happening on the wall than just color.
It’s not just about whether the old paint peeks through.
It’s also about how consistent the finish looks when the light hits it,
how even the sheen appears,
and how durable the surface ends up being.
That second coat makes a big difference.
Here’s a quick guide:
Two coats. Especially if you’re going from dark to light or vice versa.
Two coats. Helps everything adhere and look smooth.
Two coats. These take more wear, so they need extra coverage.
Maybe. But most walls still need two for a truly clean finish.
Possibly one coat, but even then, it’s tricky to get full consistency.
Why That Second Coat Matters
You want your walls (or doors or trim) to look intentional
not rushed or uneven.
That extra coat isn’t just busywork.
It really does give you a smoother, longer-lasting finish.
Two coats. Almost always.
Unless you’re doing a perfect color match
and you’ve somehow mastered the art of flawless rolling on the first try
two coats is the way to go.
Call That 1 Painter.
We’re happy to take a look and give you real advice.
We’re all over the country, and always ready to help.