Paint guide
One coat vs two coats of paint
Every coat covers the full wall again, so two coats need roughly twice the paint of one. Most repaints plan for two because a second coat evens out color, sheen, and thin spots. One coat can be enough in a few situations, and the label on your paint is the final word.
How much paint each choice takes
| Coats | Paint needed | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.04 gal | 2 gal |
| 2 | 2.09 gal | 3 gal |
| 3 | 3.13 gal | 4 gal |
When one coat may be enough
- Repainting the same or a very similar color over sound, clean paint.
- A paint whose label states one-coat coverage for your situation.
- Walls that were primed with a tinted primer close to the topcoat.
When to plan two (or more)
- Changing color, especially light over dark or to a saturated color.
- New drywall or patched areas, even after priming.
- Glossier sheens, which show uneven coverage more easily.
- Rolling with a thin coat to stretch paint, which usually needs another.
Test before you commit
Roll one coat on a section of wall and let it dry fully. If the old color or patches still show, plan the second coat for the whole room. Buying all the paint at once keeps the tint batch consistent. For new or stained surfaces, start with primer.