Buzz
The quantity of paint required will depend on several factors such as the size of your home, the condition of the surfaces, the type of coating chosen, and the method used to apply it.
Exteriors made of narrow lap siding, shingles, shakes, masonry, or stucco may need 10 to 50 percent more paint compared to smooth, flat walls.
Airless sprayers, which apply two coats of paint in one go, may use up to twice as much paint as traditional brushes, rollers, or pads for the same surface area.
If you run out of standard, premixed paint, you can easily get more. In case you buy extra, many stores offer refunds or credits for unopened gallons. However, with custom-colored paints, matching the exact shade may be tricky if you run short. It's advisable to calculate your needs accurately, then purchase an additional gallon for peace of mind.
To estimate the amount of paint your home requires, first measure the perimeter of your house. Then, multiply that measurement by the height, excluding gable ends. Use a steel tape measure or a ball of twine to measure the perimeter by marking and measuring the twine. If you're using a different paint for trim, subtract 21 square feet for each door and 15 square feet for each window. Finally, divide the result by the paint can's specified square-foot coverage to calculate how many gallons you'll need for a single coat.
For homes with gables, you can approximate the additional area by adding 2 feet to the height when calculating. For more accuracy, measure the gable wall's width, multiply by its height, and then divide by 2 to get the square footage of the gable.
A general guideline for trim paint is 1 gallon for every 6 gallons of wall paint. To refine your estimate, calculate the areas of doors, windows, and shutters. For gutters, treat each linear foot as equivalent to a square foot; therefore, for 50 feet of gutter, purchase enough paint to cover 50 square feet.
Not what you're looking for? Check out these useful articles:
- House Painting: Ready to start your house painting project? Get expert advice on both interior and exterior painting in this detailed guide.
- House Painting Tools: Make sure you're equipped with the right tools before beginning your painting project. This article will walk you through everything you need.
- Exterior Painting Preparation: Preparing your home's exterior for painting is key to achieving great results. Find expert tips exclusively at Mytour.
