Tips for Painting in a Single Stage

Surface

• The surface preparation is usually the most important part of the job. This is because the surface holds the paint, like a foundation supports a house. If the surface is weak or compromised, the paint will just come off, as a house will collapse if the foundation rots. If you don't have time for scraping, sanding or priming with a proper base coat, at the least do a quick run through and quickly remove any loose or flaking paint.
  
  

Color

• Choose your color well. You will want to use a color that is at least as dark as what you are going over, and preferably darker. Do not try to use a lighter color; it won't cover, and your undercoat will show through. Also, don't use the very brightest colors, like geranium red or other vibrant hues. They may be dark, but because the colors are so bright they may also have less pigment due to the pigment cost of the brightest colors.
  
  

Paint

• Avoid the cheapest paint. The cheap paint has less pigment. Pigment is what hides. For a single stage job, use the best paint you can afford. Some paint lines now have supersaturated paints that are made to cover in a single coat. They are heavier, have an almost milkshake viscosity, and go on smoothly.
  
  

Application

• In the application, you want to put the paint on as thick as possible but not so thick that the paint gobs or drips. Use a roller with a medium nap at the minimum. Use a heavy nap if there is any texture on the wall. Load the roller fully and uniformly for each application of paint.