In the land of home repair and design, it’s impossible to ignore the importance of the outside of your home for its curb side appeal and long-term preservation. However, to have the best aesthetic, it is important to know the number paint coats to apply. In this guide, you will discover how many coats of exterior paint you should use, which factors impact this information, and tips on how to get the best result.
Painting the Exterior
How many coats of exterior paint you may need is determined primarily by the exterior condition of your home and the type/look you’re trying to achieve. It is advisable to paint with at least two coats in most cases; sometimes, it may take up to four coats. This is the breakdown of the number of coats depending on the situation.
1. New or Bare Exterior Surfaces
Painting usually requires only two coats to provide an even and professional finish when covering a new or bare surface. Two coats will ordinarily provide long-term protection for the exterior of your home.
2. Weathered or Faded Surfaces
In cases where a surface is weathered or faded, the application of paint should be at least three layers. This goes a long way to hide any ugly marks such as chips, cracks, or faded color, and gives your home a new look.
3. Log Homes and Timber Cladding
Log homes and timber cladding are more time-consuming to paint because the surface has an elaborate grain and texture. Under such circumstances, you may probably have to use three or four coats to get adequate covering and to provide proper protection.
Conditions Influencing the Number of Coats
Several factors determine the number of coats of exterior paint you need to apply:
1. Type of Paint
The type of paint you are using may require more than one coat. For example, for oil-based paint, you’ll need a primer, and two coats, while latex paint may only take a single coating. It is also good to know, for instance, that exterior priming can give you better coverage so you can apply fewer layers.
2. Paint Quality
More expensive paint expands its ability to cover and last, versus low-quality paint, which means you apply fewer coats of paint with the pricier paint. Always buy paint that is appropriate for the exterior and one that is appropriate for the surface of your house.
3. Weather Conditions
The number of coats that might be needed from your exterior paint depends on the kind of climate you experience. High temperatures and humidity are not good for paint simply because the paint will dry slower, and those circumstances require re-application of paint more often. Painting in these conditions should be avoided and instead you should consult professionals.
4. Home Exterior Material
Different exterior home materials will dictate the number of coats required when painting. Several coatings are usually applied on hard surfaces, including stucco and brick, while soft surfaces, like wood or vinyl, need more coats.
5. Color Contrast
If the color you’re painting is very different from the existing color, then be prepared to paint with more than one coat. Some homeowners prefer using a third coat to avoid situations when the color penetrates through the underlying layers.
Great Tips for Applying Exterior Paint
1. Preparation
To achieve the best result in your exterior paint job, you must prepare well. Make sure to thoroughly wash the exterior of your home and fix any leaks or cracks visible in the siding, especially if you’re using a lighter paint color compared to the previous color you painted your house; scrape off all the old paint, and cover up areas that you don’t want to paint, like windows and trim.
2. Use a High-Quality Primer
To get better coverage and adhesion, choosing the right exterior primer to apply fewer coats of paint is a practical idea. It is most critical on new or weathered surfaces as it aids paint in bonding better and has an added layer of protection.
3. Apply Thin Layers
When applying exterior paints, you need to use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the paint in thin layers. Application in thick layers is often problematic because it promotes uneven swelling, which will, in turn, require further coats.
4. Allow Sufficient Drying Time
Ensure you always allow enough time for the paint layer to dry before adding the next coat. It will help each coat to dry properly and also help each successive coat adhere well to the previous coats.
5. Consider Hiring Professional Help
You may decide to seek the skills of a professional painter if the project is big or if you are in doubt about the number of coats required. Professionals can check on the exterior part of your home and tell you what has to be done to get the best and most long-lasting finish.
