Tips to Ensure an Even Second Coat

A second coat of paint is important to ensure even distribution on the walls. Two coats also ensure the paint is more durable, making it resistant to chipping and fading.

There are several things to consider in applying your second coat. These include:

1. Curing time

Relying on touch alone is not an accurate measure of whether or not your walls are ready for a finish coat of paint. Each coat requires additional time to set. The type of paint also plays a determining role. Latex paint requires only two to four hours to cure. Oil-based paints can take up to 24 hours between the first and second coats.

2. Treatment of tools

If paint rollers or brushes are left open to the elements, they can begin to dry. When this happens, it is difficult to coat a roller or brush for a proper application of the second coat. This means the surface of the finish coat may be uneven. For best results, cover all painting tools with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator.

3. Painting technique

In order to ensure an even application, paint should be applied to the walls in the same pattern as the first coat. Experts recommend first cutting in all edges. When all edges have been neatly coated, you can then use a roller to paint the walls in a large W. This can then be filled in with painted by rolling in an upwards and downwards fashion to ensure even distribution of color.

4. Color consistency

Dark paint colors contain a lot of pigment that can settle to the bottom of the paint can when resting. Be sure to stir the paint very well before pouring it into a paint tray to load the roller.

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