Why Once-and-done Doesn't Cut It

Soak that roller! Slam it on the wall! Drench it in paint!

Wait... what?

Absolutely not. That is not what we do here, or how painting works at all! Scroll down a bit to see what's going on.

Not About Drowning

The wall is sanded and smooth. The primer has dried quite nicely, and all that's left is to apply the actual color! Simple, right? But not too straightforward. Applying a coat doesn't mean you roll the wall with a single thick layer. You're much better off doing two or more thin layers, and giving each ample drying time. At the end of the day, it's never about just getting color on the wall. It's laying down a layer of shine that will last.

The Heart of the Matter

Why multiple layers? Why so thin? What's the big deal with a thick layer? For one, a single thick layer won't dry right: oftentimes, the surface hardens while the interior is left moist and wet. This leads to drips, peeling in layers, and an unever finish. It's also much more likely that the underlying surface will show through (eek)!

It's not just for those negative reasons that we steer clear of a thick, sloppy layer, though—there are plenty of benefits that encourage us to go with the alternative! Multiple thin layers adhere better to each other. Given enough time to dry (and requiring less of that time than a thick layer), their bond is much more powerful, leading to masterful structural integrity and coverage, and a vastly mitigated risk of transparency. The coat also remains steadfast against all sorts of stressors: abrasions, cleaning, and other environmental oppositions.

It's tempting to just toss on a layer and call it for the day—believe us, we know. The payoff in quality, durability, and long-lasting satisfaction makes it all worth the wait, of course. Don't let hurry mess with the paint job you need. Take your time and give your walls the coats they deserve.