Inklingo

How to Say "to coat" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bañar

verbB2general
Use 'bañar' when covering food items with a liquid or semi-liquid substance, like dipping or immersing them.

Examples

Vamos a bañar las fresas en chocolate.

We are going to coat the strawberries in chocolate.

revestir

/rreh-behs-TEER//reβesˈtiɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'revestir' when applying an outer layer or covering to a surface, especially for protection or decoration, like walls or buildings.
A wooden table being painted with a thick layer of blue paint.

Examples

Decidimos revestir la fachada con piedra natural.

We decided to face the facade with natural stone.

El sastre va a revestir el interior del abrigo con seda roja.

The tailor is going to line the inside of the coat with red silk.

Es necesario revestir las tuberías para protegerlas del frío.

It is necessary to coat the pipes to protect them from the cold.

The 'E' to 'I' Swap

This is a stem-changing verb. In many forms, the 'e' in the middle changes to an 'i' (like 'yo revisto').

Using 'de' or 'con'

When you say what material you are using to coat something, use 'de' or 'con' (e.g., revestir de seda).

Don't forget the 'i' change in the past

Mistake: “Él revestió la pared.”

Correction: Él revistió la pared. Remember, the 'e' changes to 'i' in the third-person past tense too!

revocar

/rre-bo-kar//reβoˈkaɾ/

verbC1general
Use 'revocar' specifically when applying plaster or a similar finishing material to walls or ceilings as a preparatory step for painting or decorating.
A person using a trowel to spread smooth gray plaster onto a brick wall.

Examples

Necesitamos revocar las paredes antes de pintar el salón.

We need to plaster the walls before painting the living room.

Han revocado la fachada con cemento blanco.

They have coated the facade with white cement.

Technical Vocabulary

Even though this is the same verb, it's used in a completely different world (construction). The grammar rules for the spelling change still apply.

Confusing Plastering with General Coating

Learners often confuse 'revocar' (to plaster walls) with 'revestir' (to cover a surface). Remember that 'revocar' is a specific type of coating for walls and ceilings, while 'revestir' is a more general term for adding a covering layer to any surface.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.