noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
Refers to the last layer of paint, plaster, varnish, etc. applied to a surface. Often used in construction, art, and manufacturing contexts.
壁に上塗りを施す前に、下地をしっかり乾かしてください。
Before applying the final coat to the wall, make sure the base is thoroughly dry.
この塗料は上塗り用です。
This paint is for the final coat.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
adding more of the same (negative); piling on
Used figuratively for compounding something negative, such as shame, mistakes, or debt. Often appears in the phrase 恥の上塗り (adding shame to shame).
See also: 恥の上塗り
また遅刻するなんて、恥の上塗りだ。
Being late again is just adding shame to shame.
借金の上塗りは避けたい。
I want to avoid piling on more debt.