A repaint often starts with good intentions, yet many projects stall for the same reason: extra coats that weren’t part of the original plan. Patchy coverage and a surface that still looks uneven once the paint dries causes delays and the job costs more time, more effort, and more patience than expected.

The number of coats you apply has a direct impact on how long a project takes and how much it costs, whether you’re quoting work or fitting painting into your DIY time.

Haymes Paint has been making paint in Australia since 1935 and remains proudly Australian made and owned. Working closely with professional painters and renovators has shaped how our interior paints are formulated. High-coverage paints are one of the most effective tools for reducing unnecessary repetition and keeping projects on time.

Learn why coverage and hiding power matters, how fewer coats translate into real savings, and why paints like Coverplus and Ultra Premium Eggshell are the right choice for the job.

When the cost of painting isn’t just the paint

When people talk about the cost of painting, it’s usually in litres and dollars. In practice, time is often the bigger variable.

Each additional coat adds more than just paint:

• repeated cutting-in around edges and fittings
• more rolling across the same surface
• extra recoat wait times
• more setup and cleanup

For professional painters, that means labour hours stack up quickly and margins tighten. For DIYers, it often means living in a half-finished space longer than planned or giving up another weekend.

Why coverage and hiding power matter

Coverage is often misunderstood. Spread rate tells you how far a paint can go, but hiding power determines how effectively it masks what’s underneath.

Hiding power becomes critical when you are repainting:

• over dark or bold colours
• across walls with repairs or patching
• in high-traffic areas with marks and scuffs
• in spaces where light highlights surface imperfections

A paint that spreads well but lacks opacity often leads to extra coats just to achieve a uniform appearance. 

High-coverage paints are formulated to address these challenges. They are designed to hide existing colours and marks more effectively, reducing the need for repeated applications. As with any paint, results depend on correct preparation and application. Clean, smooth surfaces and the right tools remain essential.

Fewer coats means real time and cost savings

When coat count comes down, everything else follows.

For professionals, fewer coats can mean:

• more predictable job timelines
• fewer return visits and callbacks
• greater confidence when quoting repaints

For DIY renovators, it usually means:

• fewer painting sessions
• less disruption to everyday life
• faster access to finished rooms

Recoat time also plays a role. Ultra Premium Coverplus, for example, has a 2-hour recoat time, which helps maintain momentum on repaint projects where timing matters.

The aim isn’t to rush the job. It’s to remove unnecessary steps so the work flows more smoothly from start to finish.

Ultra Premium Coverplus is built to streamline repaints

Ultra Premium Coverplus Interior Low Sheen is designed specifically for repaint efficiency. It offers extraordinary two coat coverage over most colours when surfaces are prepared and the paint is applied in accordance with the Product Information guidance.

This makes it particularly useful when covering darker colours or refreshing tired interiors. By reducing the likelihood of needing a third coat, Coverplus helps simplify planning and control time on the job.

Key considerations include:

• two coat coverage over most colours, under specified conditions
• coverage of up to 14 square metres per litre, depending on surface and method
• a 2-hour recoat time to support faster completion
• excellent washability with stain and scrub resistance

It’s important to note that certain surfaces and colours may still require an additional primer coat. Performance depends on preparation, spread rate, and using the recommended roller nap. These conditions are not fine print. They are what allow the paint to perform as intended.

For projects where colour change and efficiency are the priority, learn more about Coverplus online or speak with your local Haymes Paint experts to confirm the best approach for your surface.

Ultra Premium Eggshell has a refined finish

Where Coverplus focuses on streamlining colour-change repaints, Ultra Premium Eggshell serves a different purpose. It combines high hiding power with a low lustre finish designed to perform in busy, light-exposed interiors.

Eggshell has extraordinary hiding power and a finish that deflects glancing light. This helps disguise surface imperfections, particularly in hallways, corridors, and open spaces where side light can emphasise flaws. The result is a more consistent appearance without chasing perfection through extra coats.

Durability is central to Eggshell’s role. It offers exceptional stain, scuff and scrub resistance, along with remarkable washability. These qualities make it well suited to high-traffic areas such as hallways, foyers, retail environments, restaurants, and galleries.

From an efficiency standpoint, Eggshell can help in quieter ways:

• high hide reduces the need for corrective coats
• a forgiving finish minimises touch-ups in difficult lighting
• durability supports longer repaint cycles in demanding spaces

If your project calls for a refined finish that still works hard, the Eggshell form is a good place to start a conversation with a Haymes Paint specialist.

When high-coverage paints may not be the right choice

High-coverage paints are not a shortcut around preparation, and acknowledging that builds better outcomes.

Additional steps may still be required when:

• surfaces are chalky, glossy, or contaminated
• repairs are uneven or poorly feathered
• extreme colour changes are involved
• paint is over-spread beyond recommended rates

Coverplus clearly states that its two coat performance is conditional and that some situations will require a primer. This transparency reflects how painting actually works. The right system depends on the surface, not just the label on the tin.

If there’s uncertainty, find a store near you to speak with an experienced team member who can prevent avoidable mistakes.

Making a smarter paint choice from the start

Once coat count becomes part of the decision-making process, paint selection becomes clearer.

• For efficient colour-change repaints, Ultra Premium Coverplus is designed to reduce unnecessary coats.
• For high-traffic interiors where hide, finish, and durability all matter, Ultra Premium Eggshell offers a balanced solution.

Both options focus on reducing rework and helping projects move forward with confidence.

Finish the job with less repetition

The right high-coverage paint won’t replace good preparation or sound technique, but it can remove a lot of unnecessary work from the process. That’s how timelines tighten and costs stay under control.

If you’re planning an interior repaint, explore our interior paint range online, or visit a local stockist to speak with a Haymes Paint expert about the best option for your space.