One-Coat Paint Basics for Interiors and Exteriors

One-coat paint has revolutionized interior and exterior painting projects with its incredible coverage and durability. Understanding the basics of how one-coat paint works and how to use it properly is key to achieving beautiful, long-lasting results. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about one-coat paint for interiors and exteriors.

What is One-Coat Paint?

One-coat paint, also known as self-priming paint or paint and primer in one, contains extra binders and pigments that allow it to provide complete coverage in just one coat. Traditional paint requires a coat of primer followed by one or two coats of paint. One-coat paint eliminates the primer step by combining primer and paint in a single can.

One-coat paints are thicker than regular paints. The higher solid content provides superior hiding power that covers surfaces evenly and completely. Just one coat of paint can achieve the same results as two coats of conventional paint.

Benefits of One-Coat Paint

One-coat paint offers several advantages:

Saves time – Applying only one coat instead of two is much faster. No need for priming saves another step.
Saves money – The combined primer and paint costs less than buying separate primer and paint. Less paint is also needed to cover the same area.
Excellent coverage – Specially formulated to hide surfaces in one coat, including dark colors.
Long-lasting results – Builds a hard, durable finish that resists stains, scuffs and moisture.
Low odor – Contains fewer VOCs for less paint smell.
Easy soap and water cleanup – While still wet, one-coat paint tools and messes can be cleaned up with just soap and water.

When to Use One-Coat Paint

One-coat paint works great for all kinds of interior and exterior painting projects. It can be used on:

Walls, ceilings and trim
Doors and cabinets
Furniture
Fences, railings and shutters
Siding, eaves and trim
Garage doors and floors

It provides excellent coverage on almost any surface, including:

Drywall
Plaster
Wood
Metal
Masonry
Brick
Concrete
Stucco

One-coat paint is ideal for renovations, remodeling projects, painting over existing colors, and painting troublesome surfaces. The high-performance formula adheres well to glossy or slick surfaces where regular paint might struggle.

It can be used for commercial and residential projects. The fast-drying one-coat system keeps projects moving quickly.

Limitations of One-Coat Paint

While one-coat paint works wonders, there are a few limitations:

Severe color changes – Going from light to dark or dark to light colors may require an additional coat of paint for proper coverage and color accuracy.
High-contrast colors – Switching between highly contrasting colors like navy blue to bright white may need two coats for an even look.
Heavy stains – Severely stained or damaged surfaces may need spot priming and an extra coat of paint. The paint doesn’t permanently block stains from bleeding through.
High traffic areas – While scrubbable and durable, high-traffic areas may benefit from an extra coat or enamel paint for added protection.
Smooth glassy surfaces – Slick surfaces like glazed tile or shiny fiberglass may need special treatment for proper adhesion.

Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific paint and surface you are painting. Proper prep is still vital for successful results with any type of paint.

Choosing the Best One-Coat Paint

With so many brands of one-coat paint on the market, it can be tricky picking the right one. Follow these tips for choosing the best one-coat paint for your project:

Paint Type

Latex – Ideal for most interior walls and ceilings as well as exterior siding, trim and fences. Provides a smooth, subtle finish.
Enamel – For interior and exterior trim, cabinets, doors, shutters, and high-traffic areas. Delivers a durable, glossy finish.
Acrylic – Used for exterior stucco, masonry, concrete, brick or block. Excellent adhesion and weather-resistance.
Alkyd – For metal doors, railings, machinery. Fast drying with a hard, glossy finish.

Finish

Flat – Masks imperfections well. Used for ceilings and low-traffic walls. Difficult to clean.
Eggshell – Soft glow with decent scrubbability. Ideal for walls.
Satin – Light sheen with good durability and easy clean up. Works on trim, cabinets, walls.
Semi-Gloss – Very wipeable finish for trim, doors, kitchens, baths. Shows imperfections.
Gloss – High-shine and extremely scrubbable but shows flaws. Great for trim.

Quality

Higher quality paints provide better coverage and longevity. Look for these features:

Known brand name
100% acrylic latex binders
Dense pigments
Primers matched to specific surfaces
Mildew and moisture resistance
Added durability and stain resistance
Low VOC formula
Warranty from manufacturer

Ask the store for recommendations based on your specific project. And always test the paint first on a sample board before committing to a full gallon.

Preparing Surfaces for One-Coat Paint

Proper prep is crucial for one-coat paint to look its best. Taking time to correctly prepare surfaces will ensure better adhesion and final results.

Cleaning

Thoroughly clean all surfaces to remove any dirt, grease, oil or other contaminants that could interfere with paint adhesion. Use appropriate cleaners for the surface.

Walls – Wipe with a microfiber cloth, sponge and mild soap and water solution. Rinse thoroughly.
Wood – Wipe surface free of dust with a tack cloth. For grimy surfaces, use a wood cleaner and rinse well.
Metal – Remove rust with sandpaper or steel wool. Clean with mineral spirits and let dry completely.
Concrete/Masonry – Pressure wash the surface and let dry fully. Use degreaser if needed.
Aluminum/Vinyl Siding – Spray with garden hose and wipe down. Usehousehold cleaner for stubborn areas.

Repairs and Patching

Fix any dents, holes, cracks or other flaws to create an even surface:

Drywall – Fill small holes and dents with drywall spackle. Sand smooth when dry.
Wood – Fill scratches, gouges and nail holes with wood filler. Let cure fully and sand.
Concrete – Patch cracks and chips with concrete filler. Allow to dry completely.
Masonry – Repoint any missing mortar between bricks. Let new mortar cure for at least 72 hours.

Removing Glossy Surfaces

Glossy surfaces need proper treatment for paint to adhere correctly:

Wood trim, cabinets, doors – Sand surface lightly with fine grit sandpaper to dull the existing finish.
Tile, fiberglass, vinyl – Gently scuff surface with fine sandpaper. Do not expose the material underneath.
Metal railings, aluminum siding – Use liquid deglosser or lightly sand to dull glossy areas.

Priming

Some surfaces may still need spot priming for best results:

Bare wood – Priming seals the wood for even staining and helps paint adhesion.
New drywall – Seals paper facing to prevent absorption and creates a uniform surface.
New Masonry/Concrete – Helps seal and prevent alkali leaching stains on new surfaces.
Severe stains – Block bleed-through from water, smoke, grease stains.
Drastic color changes – Prevent uneven bleed-through of old color.

Always check manufacturer recommendations for priming needs.

Caulking

Fill any cracks, gaps, or joints with paintable latex caulk to help create a seamless look:

Between trim and siding
Where walls and ceilings meet
Around window, door and baseboard trim
Between dissimilar materials like moldings and drywall

Let caulk fully cure before painting.

Proper prep and priming ensures that one-coat paint will provide beautiful results. It prevents many common paint problems like poor adhesion, uneven appearance, and bleed-through.

How to Apply One-Coat Paint

Applying one-coat paint properly ensures it will look smooth and beautiful. Follow these best practices:

Choose the Right Tools

Having the right tools makes painting much easier:

Brushes – Use high-quality nylon or polyester bristle brushes for best results. Certain surfaces like cabinets may require an angled brush.
Rollers – Pick rollers with the appropriate nap thickness for your surface. Use 1/4″ or 1/2″ nap for smooth surfaces. Use thicker 3/4″ nap for rough surfaces.
Paint trays – Pour paint into a tray to load your roller. Disposable liners make cleanup easy.
Drop cloths – Protect floors and surfaces from drips and splatters with canvas or plastic drop cloths and painter’s tape.

Paint a Test Patch

Before starting, paint a small test patch in an inconspicuous area. Make sure you are happy with the color, coverage and finish when dry. This can help avoid redoing everything if you don’t like the results.

Work Top to Bottom

Paint from the top down. Ceilings first, then walls, then trim. This prevents dripping paint from above messing up freshly painted lower surfaces.

Load the Roller Properly

Dip the roller into the tray reservoir to fully saturate the roller. Roll off any excess by using firm pressure on the ridged part of the tray. The roller should be wet but not dripping.

Apply the Paint

Use a brush for cutting in edges and corners. Then quickly roll the section before the brushed paint dries. Apply the paint in a “W” or criss-cross motion to ensure even coverage. Finish the last strokes downward to minimize roller marks. Work in 3×3 or 4×4 foot sections.

Inspected the Coverage

Look at the surface from multiple angles to ensure you have achieved full coverage. Finish any missed spots as you go. Doing this while the paint is still wet helps avoid lap marks and uneven appearance.

Let it Dry Correctly

Follow drying times on the manufacturer labels. Drying too quickly or unevenly can affect appearance and durability. Don’t let it dry too long between coats or you may risk poor intercoat adhesion.

Proper application techniques ensure you get the outstanding results one-coat paint can deliver. Take your time with each step in the process.

Tips for Using One-Coat Paint

These handy tips will help you get the best results from one-coat paint:

Use a high-quality roller cover designed for smooth surfaces. Avoid cheap rollers that could shed lint and fibers.
When cutting in edges, extend the brush stroke a couple inches onto the wall to create a smooth transition with the roller.
Stir the paint thoroughly before and during use. The dense pigments in one-coat paint can settle.
Box together multiple cans of the same color. Pour into trays and mix to ensure color consistency.
Apply heavy horizontal surfaces like railings and shutters vertically to minimize drips and sags.
Work in proper conditions between 50-90°F and less than 85% humidity. Avoid cold, hot, or humid conditions.
Allow new concrete, plaster and stucco to cure fully for 30 days before painting.
When using darker colors, apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat for best results.
Maintain a wet edge by painting from one end to the other or corner to corner to prevent lap marks between sections.
Rinse the roller cover and other tools in water while the paint is still wet for easier cleanup.

Following the manufacturer’s recommendations combined with helpful painting tips will ensure your one-coat paint job is beautiful and long-lasting.

Common Questions About One-Coat Paint

Many people have questions when using one-coat paint for the first time. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Does all one-coat paint contain primer?

Yes, paint and primer in one contains vinyl and acrylic resins that act as the primer to seal and prep the surface. Make sure the can specifically says it contains primer.

Should I still prime before using one-coat paint?

On most surfaces, priming is not necessary and wastes the cost savings of a single-coat system. Always check manufacturer recommendations. Priming may still be advised for situations like severe stains, uncoated metal, or heavy color changes.

Can I apply one-coat paint with a regular paint brush?

Yes, you can cut in edges and paint small projects entirely with a high-quality nylon or polyester paintbrush. Make sure to apply quickly and evenly to avoid lap marks and brush strokes.

How long should I let one-coat paint dry before adding another coat?

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for drying time between coats, typically 1-2 hours. Second coats can be applied within 2-4 hours in most cases. Too long a wait risks poor adhesion.

Is one-coat paint more expensive than regular paint?

Because of the extra resin technology, one-coat paints are slightly more expensive than budget regular paints. However, factoring in the primer cost and labor savings, it ends up costing less overall than a two-coat paint job.

Can I get any color in a one-coat paint?

One-coat paint is available in all major paint brands and in hundreds of colors. Darker, more vibrant colors may require a second coat for proper coverage. Ask your paint store for recommendations.

One-coat paint delivers great results when applied properly. Following preparation, application, and drying recommendations helps the paint look its best.

Achieving Beautiful Results With One-Coat Paint

One-coat paint makes interior and exterior painting fast and easy. By understanding what it is, how to choose the right product, proper surface prep, application techniques, and helpful tips, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting results in half the time. While it does have some limitations for drastic color changes or flawed surfaces, one-coat paint performs remarkably well in most situations. Investing in quality products and devoting time to proper prep can help ensure your one-coat painting project delivers outstanding and lasting results.