Step-by-step – Determining how many coats of exterior paint for your Atkinson home
One of the trickiest things during an exterior painting project is determining the right amount of paint. You don’t want to run out and make extra trips to the store, but you also don’t want to buy too much and waste money. So, how many coats of paint does your Atkinson home need? This article will break it down for you to help you make the right choice.
Choosing the Right Number of Paint Coats
- When it comes to painting your home’s exterior, deciding on the number of paint coats is essential. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the right choice:
Using One Coat of Paint
There are instances where a single coat is sufficient. These include:
- Matching paint to the existing color for a quick home refresh.
- Concerns about old color showing through are minimal.
- When selling a home in a short time
Single coat requires less paint and labor, lowering exterior painting project costs. While durability may not match that of two coats, a single coat of paint may still meet the recommended mil thickness.
Using Two Coats of Paint
Two coats of paint are typically ideal in the following situations:
- When the siding is damaged and peeling.
- When you’re changing the color of your home.
- When you desire a long-lasting and more durable finish.
If you’ve received bids from exterior painting companies, and each proposal includes two coats of paint, you may notice variations in pricing. Prices can differ due to factors like quality and quantity of paint used.
- A lower bid may still achieve your desired look with one coat, while a higher bid may accurately reflect the additional materials and labor required for two coats. Ultimately, it’s important to consider factors like paint thickness, known as mil thickness, to determine the best option for your project.
Measuring Paint Thickness
- Professional painters commonly include two coats of paint in their contracts, but how can you be sure you’re getting what you paid for? Paint thickness is measured in mils, with a minimum wet standard of 4 mils. Using a sprayer, one coat of paint can often exceed the four-mil thickness, providing a uniform finish. On the other hand, applying paint with a roller brush typically requires two coats to meet the four mil standard, leading to increased time and labor costs.
When your contractor promises two coats of paint, inquire about their application method—spraying or using a roller brush. Most professionals opt for spraying. However, if they mention applying two coats with a sprayer, it’s essential to understand the drying process to ensure clarity.
Drying and Recoating Considerations
Before starting your project, it’s essential to check the paint label or consult your contractor regarding temperature recommendations. Monitoring outdoor temperatures and allowing sufficient drying time between coats is crucial. Water-based or latex paint dries faster than oil-based products, typically requiring four hours of dry time before applying a second coat.
When a painter applies two coats of paint, their process typically involves:
- Preparing the home for painting, including cleaning the exterior, removing flaking paint, and repairing surface flaws.
- Applying the first paint coating with a sprayer.
- Allowing the home to dry overnight.
- Applying the second paint coating with a sprayer.
However, it’s essential to ensure that each coat has sufficient time to cure. If the first coat doesn’t cure for at least four hours, applying a second coat isn’t feasible. It takes approximately one full day to spray one coat of paint.
Give your home the professional treatment it deserves with our exterior painting services. Experience Neat, Efficient, and Professional service with Miles Makarowski Painting. Call us today at (603) 489-8802 for a complimentary estimate. We are located in Atkinson, NH.