(Newswire.net — August 7, 2022) — A basecoat is a paint application done before the final coat on a surface. Whether it’s wood, concrete, or another type of base material you can make from various paints, it is primarily used to help the other layers adhere better to the surface.
The basecoat covers minor scratches and other imperfections in the paint job. It also helps achieve a smooth surface after the final coat is applied. The basecoat is commonly made from solid paint, a material with higher solids and less water.
Basecoats are important because they allow you to use any color of liquid paint without altering its shade. There are several reasons why a basecoat matters in liquid paint: increased durability, increased adhesion, easier cleanup, and color consistency.
1. Increased Durability
The purpose of the basecoat is to protect the other layers of paint from being destroyed. It is applied before the topcoat, typically a layer of solid paint. These solids are much harder than liquids and can better protect the rest of the paint layers. A basecoat will often seal in surface stains and help achieve an even color after applying the top layer. It can affect durability as well. Nails, for example, will be more likely to chip out the topcoat if the basecoat is not properly applied.
2. Increased Adhesion
A basecoat will also help to increase adhesion, which is important because it makes it easier for subsequent layers of paint to sit on top of the previous layer. This increased adhesion helps achieve a smooth surface when the final coat is applied and prevents peeling or cracking on your painted surface. It coats the surface with paint instead of letting the outer layers mix with each other on their own.
Moreover, since solid paint is generally easier to control than liquid paint, a basecoat will help out any brush strokes or uneven surfaces after the topcoat is applied.
3. Easier Cleanup
The base coat helps to prevent other layers of paint from mixing. All the top coat needs to be applied evenly for a smooth and even surface. Using a basecoat helps reduce uneven application because it keeps the outer layers from being affected by the previous layers. It, in turn, makes cleaning up after application much easier.
Furthermore, the more layers the basecoat has, the shinier the final coat will be. A basecoat will also help to protect against staining, especially on a wood or concrete surface.
4. Color Consistency
Basecoats are also useful because they can help to achieve consistent color on each of the different layers of paint. The basecoat will prevent the outer layers from being affected by the previous layers, so your top coat will be a more uniform shade. Using a basecoat, you can avoid the muddied tone when light passes through two or more solvent-based paints.
Solvents can change the shade of your liquid paint and strip out the pigments in solid paints, causing them to fade quickly.
When it comes to painting, a basecoat matters in liquid paint application because it helps achieve a smooth, even surface. It seals the surface, preventing stains or other imperfections from being included in the final layer, and it keeps that top layer nice and even. It is especially important when working with lighter colors because they are more transparent than darker shades.