Do I need a 3rd coat or a top coat?

Leanne
by Leanne

The doors are still drying and need another coat. Do I need a top coat or a 3rd coat on the vanity

  15 answers
  • It depends on the paint you are using. If it's chalk paint, you will definitely need to seal it. If it's latex enamel, you can seal it to protect it from wear and tear, but it's not always necessary.

    • See 2 previous
    • Dee Dee on Feb 23, 2020

      Polyurethane will yellow the paint. Latex does not need to be sealed. Just let it cure properly for about a month. No cleaning the vanity LOL


      If you can still see and undercoat you may want to put a third coat of paint on the vanity. I painted my vanity about 5 years ago and it is still perfect. I used Sherwin Williams paint.

  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Feb 20, 2020

    Can;t tell in the picture. If you think you might, do it. You can't easily go back and do it later.

  • Scarlet Paolicchi Scarlet Paolicchi on Feb 20, 2020

    Looks fine in the picture but if you aren't sure in person, then you might need it.

  • Em Em on Feb 20, 2020

    As long as there is not bleed thru color on the vanity then just use a coat or two of poly to seal your paint. Over time everyone gets a chip or a scratch so the poly will prevent most of that down the road. You can get matte, satin or shiny. I personally do not like the gloss look and think the matte shows off the color of the paint best.

  • Pamela Pamela on Feb 20, 2020

    Hi ! In the picture it looks fine , but if you are unsure ( or if you have kids , lol ) go for either , another coat of paint or top coat ,( I would probably chose paint )

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Feb 20, 2020

    Hello. What is your paint can directions say about coverage? I may be a idea to call their customer service 1-800 line to see what they suggest. It’s often hard to see things and photographs the corporate guidance would be more respected and advisable.

  • It looks fine but another coat wouldn't hurt

  • William William on Feb 20, 2020

    I always use three coats of a water based polyurethane. Extra protection in a bathroom won't hurt

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Feb 20, 2020

    I love the color you chose! Since it's a high wear and tear area, I think I would do a third coat to be safe. But if it looks good, you could just go with touch up paint down the road. it looks fine in the picture.

  • Baxter Baxter on Feb 22, 2020

    It looks like you have good paint coverage but I would definitely apply 2 coats of Polycrylic in a matt finish for protection---especially in a bathroom. Apply one coat then lightly sand for a smooth finish. Wipe off and apply another coat. Your cabinet looks great---beautiful color!

  • Janice Janice on Feb 23, 2020

    In your pics it looks as though you have good paint coverage. Apply two to three coats of water based poly to protect the pretty paint for a long time. I always prefer water-based clear coat. No yellowing oil-based poly for me!

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Feb 24, 2020

    it is so harto tell by looking at the picture . Third for sure will not hurt :)

  • Maura White Maura White on Jan 16, 2021

    It's kind of hard to tell from a picture. Look up real close and be sure all areas are covered well. I would consider giving the drawers a third coat though b/c those can be more easily bumped and are used more frequently.

  • I would add a 3rd coat. I love the colour you chose.

  • Deb K Deb K on Feb 06, 2021

    Hi Leanne, as long as there are no spots showing through you shouldn't need a third coat, but it would not hurt to do one.