How Many Coats of Paint Does My Home’s Exterior Need?

January 2, 2025

a team painting the outside of a house

There are few home improvement projects quite as exciting as exterior painting – and though it might seem like a monumental undertaking at times, there are no doubts that this scale of project can beautifully transform your home and dramatically boost its overall curb appeal. That said, some homeowners are uncertain about many of the specifics of exterior painting, including how many coats are necessary for completing the paint job. Believe it or not, more isn’t always better in these situations! Here’s what you need to know.

How Many Coats of Exterior Paint Does My House Need?

When it comes to exterior painting, it’s all about quality over quantity – as is the case with most things in life! While it might seem like adding multiple coats of paint to your walls will ensure longevity and bold, beautiful results, this isn’t true. Paint is heavy both when wet and dry, and if you’re adding layer after layer to your walls, you’re increasing the likelihood of them sustaining damage due to the excess weight. Not to mention, the paint also won’t properly adhere if you’re using too much of it.

In the vast majority of cases, two coats of paint can ensure complete coverage – with the main exception being if you’re adding a fresh coat of paint over the same color. In these scenarios, you can often get away with just a single coat. It’s also worth noting that a primer can help to reduce the number of paint coats needed; you might only need one coat of a 2-in-1 primer/paint combination. However, you should anticipate needing two coats of paint for most exterior home paint jobs. Just be sure you check the paint labels, as well as the quality of your walls, before getting started.

Why Is It Beneficial to Use a Second Coat of Paint?

Sure, applying a second coat of paint takes additional time, money, and effort – but it makes your whole investment incredibly worthwhile. Some of the many practical benefits of using two coats of paint to refresh your home’s exterior include:

  • A second coat creates the perfect amount of rich color and hides any painting errors made during the first round. It also protects the underlying coat.
  • The second coat will extend the lifespan of the paint for up to five or so years.
  • It’s cost-effective; the price of adding a second coat is a minimal increase in comparison to just one coat. Plus, since your paint will last longer, you’ll go longer in between paint jobs.

If you still have doubts or aren’t sure about how many coats of paint you’ll need to transform your home, don’t hesitate to speak with a team of professionals. They’ll inspect every wall being painted, consider your vision, and determine how many coats are necessary.

About Platinum Painting of Keller

Our team here at Platinum Painting of Keller has proudly served homeowners in Keller and all across the DFW metroplex for over 15 years, offering assistance with a wide range of interior and exterior painting projects. If you’re hoping to repaint your home’s exterior, let us help ensure spectacular results! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a FREE in-home estimate, please reach out to our team online or by phone today for more information. Telephone: (817) 380-4404.