Primer, intermediate coat and topcoat: the structure of a paint system explained
A good paint system consists of layers that each have their own task. Understanding this also explains why repainting with just a single coat rarely gives a durable result.
Primer
The primer coat bonds to the bare or repaired surface and provides a good base for the next layer.
Intermediate coat and topcoat
The intermediate coat (sometimes skipped for maintenance painting) builds up thickness and coverage. The topcoat is the visible, colour-giving layer that protects the whole against UV, moisture and dirt.
DIY, or better to have it done?
With the right preparation and materials, some parts of choosing the right paint and materials can be done yourself, especially for small-scale, easily accessible work. Where it gets trickier — working at height, uncertainty about the condition of the surface, or work that causes more expensive damage if done wrong, such as wood rot or damp problems — it's wise to have a professional painter take a look before you start.
Not sure what's sensible for your situation? During a free, no-obligation assessment we give honest advice: sometimes a touch-up is enough, sometimes a more thorough approach is needed. That advice is free and non-binding, even if you decide to do it yourself.
What affects the cost
Naming a specific figure for choosing the right paint and materials is difficult without knowing the situation: the surface area, the condition of the surface, accessibility and the number of coats together determine the price. Poorly maintained work needs more preparation — such as wood repair or extra sanding — and therefore weighs more heavily than the painting itself.
Want to know what this means for your situation? After a free, no-obligation assessment you'll receive a clear, concrete quote, so you don't have to guess based on a generic price per square metre. See also our full breakdown of what determines the cost of painting.
Which service this relates to
This topic mainly relates to exterior painting, interior painting. Below is what this service involves and what you can expect from our approach.
- Exterior Painting — Durable protection for window frames, woodwork and facades against weather and moisture.
- Interior Painting — Sleek walls, ceilings, doors and stairs with a neat finish.
Why choose Painting Company
Painting Company has now completed over 1374 projects and serves more than 261 VvE's, with a team of 14+ permanent painters and an average Google rating of 4.9. For questions about choosing the right paint and materials, you can count on experience that goes beyond loose knowledge from the internet — we apply this in practice every day.
As part of CrumBouw and GoedkoopSteigerHuren.nl, we also have the knowledge, experience and resources to look a step further than just the paint layer: from structural repair to arranging scaffolding, should your situation call for it. Still unsure about your own situation after reading this article? Feel free to request a free, no-obligation quote, and we'll think it through with you.