Sherwin Williams Interior Paint Colors: How to Get Best Coverage

Question: I like Sherwin Williams interior paint colors, but sometimes I have to use 6 coats of paint to get adequate coverage (anything less and the finish color looks uneven).

Is there something I don't know about painting, or is it just the way Sherwin Williams paint colors are?

Answer: To get a nice, even coverage and true color for some Sherwin Williams interior paint colors, you need to use a specially tinted gray primer as a base coat/undercoat.

When you need to use such a primer, you will see a "P" letter (with a number from 1 to 6) on the back of the Sherwin Williams paint swatch. Order this recommended primer at the same time you order your paint so you won't forget.

But sometimes, when you dramatically change a wall paint color from light to dark (for example, when you go from white to red, or from a pastel paint color to a navy blue), it's a good idea to use a gray tinted primer as a base coat - even if it is not recommended/required.

By rolling on a coat of P3-P6 gray primer first, you will reduce the number of paint coats you'll have to apply (and instead of 5-6 coats, you will get away with just 2).

Psst! For the most popular, proven, tried and tested Sherwin Williams interior paint colors, see the Paint Color Cheat Sheets.