How many coats of paint do I need?
Two coats is the standard for an even, durable finish. One coat works only when repainting a similar color over primed walls.
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- Use two coats for color changes, new drywall or patchy walls.
- Prime first when covering dark colors or stains — it can save a coat.
- Let each coat dry fully (2 to 4 hours) before the next.
Frequently asked questions
- Is one coat of paint enough?
- Only for minor refreshes in the same color; most jobs need two coats.
- Does primer count as a coat?
- No — primer prepares the surface; you still apply two color coats on top.