The amount of exterior paint you need depends on the square footage of the surface you're painting, but a good rule of thumb is that one gallon of paint covers approximately 300 to 400 square feet.
Estimating Paint Needs for Your Exterior Project
To accurately determine your paint needs, consider the following:
- Surface Area: Calculate the total square footage of the exterior walls you plan to paint.
- Number of Coats: Always plan for at least two coats, especially if you're making a significant color change. According to our reference, it's always recommended to apply at least two coats for any exterior color changes.
- Paint Coverage: Keep in mind that one gallon usually covers between 300 and 400 square feet.
Calculating Paint Quantity
Here's how to estimate the amount of paint you'll need:
- Determine Total Square Footage: Measure the length and width of each wall to be painted and calculate the square footage (length x width). Add all the wall square footage together to get the total.
- Account for Two Coats: Multiply your total square footage by 2 to account for two coats of paint.
- Calculate Gallons Needed: Divide the total square footage (after accounting for two coats) by the coverage rate per gallon. For an average coverage, you can use 350 sqft/gallon as a guide.
Example
Let's say you have a 2,500 sq ft house. Here’s how you would estimate:
- Square Footage: 2,500 sq ft
- Two Coats: 2,500 sq ft x 2 = 5,000 sq ft
- Gallons Required: 5,000 sq ft / 350 sq ft per gallon = approximately 14.3 gallons
Therefore, for a 2,500 sqft house, you will need around 14.3 gallons for two coats of exterior paint. The referenced article indicates that for a single coat, you'd need 8-10 gallons. However, applying two coats will increase this amount. In the provided example, you would need approximately 14.3 gallons for two coats.
Key Considerations
- Surface Texture: Rough or textured surfaces may require more paint.
- Primer: Using a primer can reduce the amount of paint needed, as well as provide a better base for the top coat.
- Waste: Consider buying a bit extra to account for spillage and touch-ups.
Summary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Average Coverage/gal | 300-400 sqft |
| 2500 sqft House | 8-10 gallons (one coat), 14-20 gallons (two coats) |
| Recommended Coats | At least two coats |
