Whether or not you’re refreshing a small bed room in a Seattle, WA house or tackling the outside of a home in Charlotte, NC, realizing how a lot paint to purchase can prevent time, cash, and trouble. This Redfin article gathers skilled ideas from painters, designers, and renovators that will help you estimate accurately, keep away from pricey errors, and guarantee a easy, flawless end.
1. Measure sensible and plan for extras
“When estimating paint, accuracy matters—especially for a high-end result,” explains C & J Portray. “Measure your wall height by width to get square footage, and always plan for two coats. Add 10–15% extra for touch-ups or batch consistency, especially on large jobs where sheen or color can vary.”
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2. Perceive how paint spreads on totally different surfaces
“To calculate how much paint you need, add up wall square footage and subtract non-painted areas like doors and windows,” says The Cande Store. “But don’t forget—surfaces like brick, stucco, or unprimed drywall will absorb more. These areas often need up to 50% more paint than smooth walls.”
3. Embody ceilings, trim, and odd spots in your math
“Textured walls, dark-to-light transitions, or new drywall can all boost paint usage by 20–30%,” explains Kerala Residence Designs. “But people often forget about ceilings, trim, or odd architectural nooks. Be sure to include those to avoid a last-minute paint run.”
4. Going daring? You’ll seemingly want extra paint
“One gallon usually covers 350 to 400 square feet, but that changes fast with deep or bold colors,” says MaryGilbert. “Dark shades often need an extra coat or two to get solid coverage. Always grab an extra can if you’re painting with rich hues—you’ll avoid patchiness later.”
5. Use visualization instruments to map paint plans
“Room size, number of coats, and texture all play a role in estimating paint,” explains Roomvo. “Before you buy, use a visualizer tool to test color and layout. Seeing your project ahead of time helps reduce overbuying and improves color confidence.”
6. Low-cost paint isn’t at all times a discount
“Coverage per gallon can vary wildly,” says Outdated Village Paint. “High-end paint may cover in two coats, while a lower-end brand could take four or five. That adds cost in the long run. Invest in quality, and always keep a labeled jar of leftover paint for touch-ups.”
7. Plan for upkeep, not simply the second
“I always advise planning for two coats and just a bit extra,” says Merritt Design Co.. “Touch-ups are easier when you have leftover paint, and it’s better than trying to match color later. Think of it as maintenance insurance.”
8. Don’t overlook primer and wall prep
“Start with square footage, then double it for two coats,” says Lacie Grace Interiors. “But also ask: does the wall need a primer? Are there repaired spots? These affect how much paint you’ll use. Prep right, and you’ll waste less in the long run.”
9. Use rule-of-thumb estimates for fast planning
“A quick way to plan is 1 gallon for a bathroom, 2 for a bedroom, and 3 for a large common area,” explains Chicago Painters. “If you’re painting multiple bathrooms, use one color to save on leftovers. Modern tinting tech makes it easier than ever to re-up if needed.”
10. Furnishings portray wants much less—however good prep issues
“When painting furniture, a pint can cover a dresser or two nightstands,” says Classic Sweetheart Designs. “The key is surface prep. If it’s sealed or previously painted, sand it down first or the paint won’t stick evenly, and you’ll end up using more.”
11. Spherical up for textured or uneven partitions
“To estimate paint for textured areas, calculate square footage and add 10–20%,” explains Metro Portray Brisbane. “Textured walls, wood paneling, and porous materials soak up more paint. Rounding up helps ensure full coverage without multiple trips.”
12. Let your house breathe with different protection
“I treat wall painting like arranging art—some get full coverage, others stay light,” says Lucy Clare Spooner. “Not every wall needs to be bold. Lighter tones or fewer coats in low-traffic zones can conserve paint and still look polished.”
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13. Don’t ignore the most important mistake: underbuying
“To start, calculate square footage and factor in coats and wall type,” says Professional Painters. “But the most common mistake? Not buying enough. Falling short mid-project affects color continuity. Always buy a little more—your finish will thank you.”
