How A lot Paint Do You Want? 13 Professional Ideas

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, figuring out how a lot paint to purchase can prevent time, cash, and trouble. This Redfin article gathers knowledgeable suggestions from painters, designers, and renovators that can assist you estimate appropriately, keep away from pricey errors, and guarantee a easy, flawless end.

1. Measure good and plan for extras

“When estimating paint, accuracy issues—particularly for a high-end consequence,” explains C & J Portray. “Measure your wall top by width to get sq. footage, and all the time plan for 2 coats. Add 10–15% additional for touch-ups or batch consistency, particularly on giant jobs the place sheen or shade can range.”

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2. Perceive how paint spreads on completely different surfaces

“To calculate how a lot paint you want, add up wall sq. footage and subtract non-painted areas like doorways and home windows,” says The Cande Store. “However don’t overlook—surfaces like brick, stucco, or unprimed drywall will soak up extra. These areas typically want as much as 50% extra paint than easy partitions.”

3. Embrace ceilings, trim, and odd spots in your math

“Textured partitions, dark-to-light transitions, or new drywall can all enhance paint utilization by 20–30%,” explains Kerala Residence Designs. “However folks typically overlook about ceilings, trim, or odd architectural nooks. You’ll want to embrace these to keep away from a last-minute paint run.”

4. Going daring? You’ll probably want extra paint

“One gallon normally covers 350 to 400 sq. toes, however that adjustments quick with deep or daring colours,” says MaryGilbert. “Darkish shades typically want an additional coat or two to get stable protection. At all times seize an additional can if you happen to’re portray with wealthy hues—you’ll keep away from patchiness later.”

5. Use visualization instruments to map paint plans

“Room dimension, variety of coats, and texture all play a task in estimating paint,” explains Roomvo. “Before you purchase, use a visualizer device to check shade and format. Seeing your venture forward of time helps cut back overbuying and improves shade confidence.”

6. Low cost paint isn’t all the time a discount

“Protection per gallon can range wildly,” says Previous Village Paint. “Excessive-end paint could cowl in two coats, whereas a lower-end model might take 4 or 5. That provides value in the long term. Put money into high quality, and all the time preserve a labeled jar of leftover paint for touch-ups.”

7. Plan for upkeep, not simply the second

“I all the time advise planning for 2 coats and only a bit additional,” says Merritt Design Co.. “Contact-ups are simpler when you have got leftover paint, and it’s higher than making an attempt to match shade later. Consider it as upkeep insurance coverage.”

8. Don’t overlook primer and wall prep

“Begin with sq. footage, then double it for 2 coats,” says Lacie Grace Interiors. “But additionally ask: does the wall want a primer? Are there repaired spots? These have an effect on how a lot paint you’ll use. Prep proper, and also you’ll waste much less in the long term.”

9. Use rule-of-thumb estimates for fast planning

“A fast strategy to plan is 1 gallon for a loo, 2 for a bed room, and three for a big frequent space,” explains Chicago Painters. “In case you’re portray a number of bogs, use one shade to save lots of on leftovers. Trendy tinting tech makes it simpler than ever to re-up if wanted.”

10. Furnishings portray wants much less—however good prep issues

“When portray furnishings, a pint can cowl a dresser or two nightstands,” says Classic Sweetheart Designs. “The secret’s floor prep. If it’s sealed or beforehand painted, sand it down first or the paint gained’t stick evenly, and also you’ll find yourself utilizing extra.”

11. Spherical up for textured or uneven partitions

“To estimate paint for textured areas, calculate sq. footage and add 10–20%,” explains Metro Portray Brisbane. “Textured partitions, wooden paneling, and porous supplies absorb extra paint. Rounding up helps guarantee full protection with out a number of journeys.”

12. Let your area breathe with diversified protection

“I deal with wall portray like arranging artwork—some get full protection, others keep mild,” says Lucy Clare Spooner. “Not each wall must be daring. Lighter tones or fewer coats in low-traffic zones can preserve paint and nonetheless look polished.”

13. Don’t ignore the most important mistake: underbuying

“To start out, calculate sq. footage and consider coats and wall kind,” says Professional Painters. “However the commonest mistake? Not shopping for sufficient. Falling brief mid-project impacts shade continuity. At all times purchase a bit of extra—your end will thanks.”