March 2008
Can you get by with only one coat?
Our technicians measure the one-coat ability of interior paints using striped hiding charts with light-gray to jet-black bars.
To merit better one-coat distinction, even the white version of a paint must conceal at least the two lightest-color bars
with one coat. The paint on the bottom of the chart at left offers more-complete coverage after a single coat than the one
on the top.
Five of the 14 interior paints that deliver better one-coat hiding in our tests cost $20 or less per gallon. Remember, however, that they can't cover as well as two coats of even the lowest-scoring finishes. What's more, to enhance hiding ability, manufacturers might skimp on some additives and end up diminishing other performance results.
CR's take. We still generally recommend that you use two coats of a top-rated interior paint. The best time to try for one-coat coverage is when you're painting a darker color over a lighter hue. Apply the first coat and let it dry. If the coverage is acceptable, save the leftover paint for touch-ups. Otherwise, lay on the next coat.
Five of the 14 interior paints that deliver better one-coat hiding in our tests cost $20 or less per gallon. Remember, however, that they can't cover as well as two coats of even the lowest-scoring finishes. What's more, to enhance hiding ability, manufacturers might skimp on some additives and end up diminishing other performance results.
CR's take. We still generally recommend that you use two coats of a top-rated interior paint. The best time to try for one-coat coverage is when you're painting a darker color over a lighter hue. Apply the first coat and let it dry. If the coverage is acceptable, save the leftover paint for touch-ups. Otherwise, lay on the next coat.
