Meaning & use

paint coat

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈpeɪnt kəʊt/
US/ˈpeɪnt koʊt/

Meaning

  1. nouncountable

    A single layer of paint put on a surface.

    Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a paint coat' or 'three paint coats'. Often used with 'apply' or 'put on'.

    Patterns

    • apply a paint coat
    • put on a paint coat
    • a second paint coat

    Apply a thin paint coat and let it dry.

    The wall needs a second paint coat to look even.

    After the first paint coat, sand the surface lightly.

Word forms

pluralpaint coats

Common combinations

apply a paint coat
Use a roller to apply a paint coat evenly.
a second paint coat
Wait four hours before adding a second paint coat.
a thin paint coat
A thin paint coat dries faster than a thick one.
a final paint coat
The final paint coat gave the door a smooth finish.

Synonyms and how they differ

coat
This is the short form; it can mean a layer of paint or any covering layer.
layer
A layer is a general word for any covering, not just paint.

Word family

paint noun
The colored liquid used to cover surfaces.
painting noun
The act of putting paint on a surface, or a picture made with paint.

Commonly confused: paint coat or paintcoat?

paint coat vs paintcoat

This is sometimes written as one word in American English, but 'paint coat' (two words) is the usual form.

Practice

Which word best completes the sentence? 'You should apply a second ______ of paint after the first dries.'

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