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flat coat

flat coat

5.3
A first thin layer of paint you apply before the final layers
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : capa base
  • Before adding color, it's important to use a flat coat as a base layer.

Examples

  • After sanding the wall, she applied a flat coat to ensure the paint adhered properly.

  • The painter explained that the flat coat helps cover up any stains or marks on the surface.

  • After sanding the wall, she applied a flat coat to ensure the paint adhered properly.

  • The flat coat is drying now.

  • Can you help me apply a flat coat?

  • Before adding color, it's important to use a flat coat as a base layer.

  • The painter explained that the flat coat helps cover up any stains or marks on the surface.

Synonyms

primer
vsflat coat
  • Specialized
9 5.5

A first coat you put on a surface to help paint stick

is focused on the first applied layer rather than the product or action
primer coat
vsflat coat
  • Specialized
1 5.2

A thin first layer of paint that helps later paint stick and last longer

is used as the broad name for the initial surface layer
undercoat
vsflat coat
  • Specialized
1 4.3

A first thin layer of paint applied to a surface before the final coat

is the basic term for that preliminary layer in painting
priming
vsflat coat
  • Specialized
1 5.6

Applying a first coat to a surface so the final paint sticks

refers to the layer itself rather than the act of applying it
priming coat
vsflat coat
  • Specialized
5.3

A first layer of paint that prepares a surface for later coats

is the general term for the same preparatory first layer
to mist coat
vsflat coat
  • UK
6.4

To apply a thin, watery paint layer before the final coat to help it stick

is the general first layer, not necessarily thin or diluted in method

Antonyms

topcoat
  • Specialized
1 3.9

A final layer of paint or finish that protects a surface

finishing coat
  • Specialized
4.0

The last layer of paint or varnish that makes a surface look complete

Surface Forms

flat coat singular
flat coats plural

Morphology

flat + coat

Although 'coat' as a layer and 'flat' as a surface property are individually transparent, the specific sense 'the first or preliminary coat of paint or primer' is not derivable from 'flat' meaning 'smooth/matte' and 'coat' meaning 'layer'. This is a specialized, industry-specific usage (and potentially ambiguous with 'flat' meaning 'matte finish'), so a B1 learner who knows the parts would not reliably infer the intended technical meaning.

Etymology

Flat coat likely comes from the picture of a painter spreading a flat, not shiny, coat of paint to hide stains and make the surface smooth. That's why flat coat means the first 'base' layer of paint used before the final color.