base coat

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A first layer of paint or polish put on a surface before the main color or top layer.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say a base coat or two base coats.

   Patterns

   • apply a base coat
   • put on a base coat
   • a base coat of something

   Always apply a base coat before the colored polish to protect your nails.

   The painter spread a white base coat over the wall to cover the old marks.

   For a smooth finish, let the base coat dry completely before adding the next layer.

2. 2nouncountable

   A first layer of makeup, especially foundation, applied to the skin before other products.

   Grammar: Countable, but often used in the singular with a determiner: a base coat, the base coat.

   Patterns

   • wear a base coat
   • use a base coat
   • a base coat of foundation

   She uses a light base coat of foundation to even out her skin tone.

   A good base coat helps your makeup last longer during the day.

   The makeup artist applied a base coat before adding blush and eye shadow.

3. 3nouncountabletechnical

   In art, a first layer of paint that prepares a canvas or surface for later layers.

   Grammar: Countable; often used in the plural when talking about multiple layers or works.

   Patterns

   • paint a base coat
   • a base coat of paint
   • the base coat dries

   The artist brushed on a thin base coat of gesso to prime the canvas.

   Without a base coat, the oil paints might soak into the fabric.

   He mixed a warm base coat to give the painting a glowing background.

Word forms

Common combinations

apply a base coat

Apply a base coat evenly to avoid streaks.

a base coat of paint

The wall needs a base coat of paint before the final color.

base coat and top coat

For a professional manicure, use both a base coat and a top coat.

let the base coat dry

Let the base coat dry for ten minutes before continuing.

Synonyms and how they differ

primer

Primer is often used for the first layer that helps paint or makeup stick, and it can be a separate product; base coat is more general and can refer to any first layer.

undercoat

Undercoat is similar but is more common in British English and often refers to a layer under paint on wood or metal.

foundation

Foundation is specifically a skin-colored makeup base; base coat can be any first layer, including clear polish or paint.

Opposites

Word family

base noun

The bottom or starting layer of something.

coat noun

A layer of paint or other material covering a surface.

base-coat verb

To apply a base coat to something (less common).

Commonly confused: base coat or base on? base coat or top coat?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “base coat”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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