Whether you’re going home from your small bedroom in Seattle, Washington, or working on the exterior of your home in Charlotte, North Carolina, knowing how much paint you’ll buy can take you time, money and hassle. This Redfin article brings together expert tips from painters, designers and renovators to estimate correctly, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure a smooth and perfect finish.
1. Measure smart and plan extras
“When estimating paint, accuracy is important, especially when it comes to high-end results,” explains C&J’s painting. “Measure the height of the wall by width to get the area and plan two coats at all times. Add 10-15% extra to touch-up or batch consistency, especially for large jobs that may differ in scenes and colors.”
Would you like to renovate your home?
Find the value of your home, edit the facts, and see the impact of your home project.
2. Understand how paint spreads across different surfaces
“To calculate the amount of paint you need, you add up the wall area and subtract unpainted areas such as doors and windows,” says Cande Shop. “But don’t forget. Surfaces like bricks, stuccos, or unprimed drywalls absorb more. These areas often require up to 50% more paint than smooth walls.”
3. Include ceilings, trims and strange spots in your math
“Texture walls, dark to bright transitions, or new drywalls can all increase paint usage by 20-30%,” explains Kerala Home Design. “But people often forget about ceilings, trims, or strange architectural nooks. Be sure to include them to avoid running last minute paint.”
4. Will it be in bold? Maybe you need more paint
“A gallon usually covers 350-400 square feet, but it changes quickly with deep and bold colors,” says Marygilbert. “Dark tints often require an extra coat to get solid coverage. If you’re drawing with richer tins, always grab the extra cans. Avoid patches later.”
5. Use visualization tools to map your painting plans
“The size of the room, number of coats, and texture all play a role in estimating the paint,” explains Roomvo. “Before you make a purchase, test your colors and layouts using the Visualizer tool. Viewing the project in advance will reduce overpayments and increase color confidence.”
6. Cheap paints aren’t necessarily bargains
“Coversion per gallon can vary widely,” says Old Village Paint. “High-end paints can be covered with two coats, while low-end brands can take four or five. This adds cost over the long term. Invest in quality and always maintain a labeled jar of paint for touch-ups.”
7. Not just at the moment, but also at the maintenance plan
“I recommend always planning two coats and adding a little extra,” says Merritt Design Co..
8. Don’t forget to prepare the primer and walls
“Starting with area, you’ll double it with two coats,” says Lacie Grace Interiors. “But the question: do you need primers on the walls? Are there any spots that have been repaired? These will affect the amount of paint you use.
9. Use vertical rule estimates for quick planning
“The way to plan is one gallon in the bathroom, two gallon in the bedroom, and three gallon in the large common area,” explains the Chicago painter. “If you’re painting multiple bathrooms, use one colour to save on leftovers. Modern tint technology allows you to reupload more than ever if you want.”
10. It’s not very common for painting furniture, but good preparation is a problem
“When you paint the furniture, the pint can cover a dresser or two night stands,” says the vintage lover’s design. “The key is Surface Prep. If it’s sealed or previously painted, sand down first and don’t evenly paint the paint. You can finally use it.”
11. Put together for texture or uneven walls
“To estimate the paint in a texture area, calculate the area and add 10-20%,” explains MetroPainting Brisbane. “Textured walls, wooden wrapping and porous materials absorb more paint. By rounding it, you can ensure full coverage without multiple trips.”
12. Breathe space with different coverage
“I treat wall paintings like an art arrangement. Some get full coverage and others stay light,” says Lucy Clearspooner. “Not all walls need to be bold. If you have less coats in light tones or low traffic zones, you’ll save paint and look sophisticated.”
Want to save money on your mortgage?
Refinance now to reduce your monthly payments.
13. Don’t ignore the biggest mistake: Underview
“To get started, we reduce the area and wall type and calculate the factors,” says Propainter. “But are the most common mistakes? I don’t buy enough. Falling halfway through the middle affects the continuity of the colours. I always buy a little more.
