How Much Paint Do You Need for Your House? A Simple Guide

Ever stood in front of your house, paintbrush in hand, wondering, "How much paint do I actually need?" Wonder no more! Here's a straightforward guide to calculate the amount of paint required for your home makeover.

Step 1: Measure Your Walls

First, you'll need to calculate the total area to be painted. For each wall:

1. Measure the height and width in feet.
2. Multiply height by width to get the area in square feet.
3. Sum up the areas of all walls.

Don't forget to subtract the areas of windows and doors!

Step 2: Consider the Paint Coverage

Most paint cans will tell you how many square feet they cover. On average:

• 1 gallon of paint covers about - of smooth surface.
• For rougher surfaces, expect closer to - per gallon.

Step 3: Factor in Coats

Most paint jobs require at least two coats for even coverage. Some darker colors might need three!

The Calculation

Here's the formula:

Gallons of paint = (Total square feet of walls) / (Square feet per gallon) × (Number of coats)

Example Calculation

Let's say your house has:

• Total wall area:
• Paint coverage: per gallon
• You're planning on 2 coats

Plugging into our formula:

Gallons of paint = / × 2
=

Round up to to be safe!

Cost Estimation

Now that you know how much paint you need, let's estimate the cost:

1. Research the price per gallon of your chosen paint. Prices can vary widely based on quality and brand.

2. Multiply the number of gallons needed by the price per gallon:

Total paint cost = (Gallons of paint needed) × (Price per gallon)

3. Don't forget to factor in other supplies:

   • Primer (if needed)
   • Brushes, rollers, and trays
   • Painter's tape
   • Drop cloths
   • Sandpaper or scraper for surface preparation

4. Add about 10-15% to your paint cost for these supplies.

Example: If you need of paint at $30 per gallon:

Paint cost = 12 × $30 = $360
Supplies cost (15%) = $360 × 0.15 = $54
Total estimated cost = $360 + $54 = $414

Remember, this is an estimate. Prices can vary based on your location and specific needs.

Pro Tips

1. Always round up to the nearest gallon. It's better to have a little extra than to run short.
2. For textured or porous surfaces, or for drastic color changes, you might need more paint.
3. Don't forget about trim, doors, and other details. Add an extra 10% for these.
4. Consider a primer coat for best results, especially for bare surfaces or significant color changes.

With this guide, you'll be well-prepared for your next painting project. Happy painting!