Whether you’re refreshing a small bedroom in a Seattle, WA home or tackling the exterior of a house in Charlotte, NC, knowing how much paint to buy can save you time, money, and hassle. This Redfin article gathers expert tips from painters, designers, and renovators to help you estimate correctly, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure a smooth, flawless finish.
1. Measure smart and plan for extras
“When estimating paint, accuracy matters—especially for a high-end result,” explains C & J Painting. “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.”
Renovating your home?
Find out what your home’s worth, edit facts, and see the impact of home projects.
Renovating your home?
Find out what your home’s worth, edit facts, and see the impact of home projects.
2. Understand how paint spreads on 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 Shop. “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. Include 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 Home 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 bold? You’ll likely need more 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…