3 Steps to Calculate the Amount of Paint Needed
Have you ever been repainting your walls and are not sure whether you’ll have enough paint to finish the project? I’ve been there — and while I do like the drama of not knowing what will happen in the end, when it comes to a messy paint job, I’d rather be sure. Besides, I’d hate to have to scrub off all that dry paint on my hands and arms, get in my car, drive to the paint store, and buy another gallon. Or will it be a pint or a quart? How much paint do I really need?! Use these 3 easy steps to calculate the amount of paint needed for your next room makeover:
Step 1: Find the Square Footage
Have you ever found the square footage of a room? Finding the square footage is step one. It’s simple: you’ll be measuring each wall. First, start with a pen and paper and a measuring tape. To begin, measure the height and length of the first wall. Write the measurements down so you don’t forget! Try using only inches to make it easier to calculate in the end. Next, take the wall’s length and multiply it by the wall’s height. That’s your first number. Repeat the process for all of the walls in the room. Measure and write down the lengths of the remaining walls multiplied by heights. Finally, add all of your square footages together to find the total. Be sure not to forget a single wall.
Step 2: Subtract Cutouts
The next step is subtracting the windows and doors, unless you want to paint those doors. Measure the windows and doors like you did the walls and get their square footage. Then, add up all the windows and doors square footages, just like you did with the walls. Now subtract the total square footage of windows and doors from the walls square footages. Finally, convert the inches to feet by dividing the number by 12 and rounding up until you’ve got a whole number. Now you’ve got the information you need to buy the right amount of paint.
Step 3: Read the Labels
Finally, the last step is to read the labels on the cans of paint to see how much area each paint covers. Remember, different types of paint will cover each area differently. Are your walls smooth, heavily textured, or needing two coats? Take all of these questions into consideration when buying the correct amount of paint. For your reference, it is recommended to have about 1 gallon for every 400 square feet if your walls are smooth. However, if the walls are rough, such as brick, stucco (concrete), or older drywall, one gallon for every 250 square feet is recommended. If you’re going to be drastically changing the color of the wall, double the amount of square footage you calculated and get the corresponding amount of paint.
Pro Tip: Buy in Bulk if Possible
In some instances, if you’re buying more than 4 gallons, you’ll save money by buying in bulk 5-gallon buckets. Basically, you’re spending less to get more, which is always something to celebrate! Having a little extra on hand doesn’t hurt, either, just in case you’ve spilled or you need to add another layer in an area. Besides, who doesn’t want to carry 5-gallon buckets around? Let’s call it painter’s CrossFit. Now, as you’re painting your beautiful new walls, relax, and know you’ve got enough paint to get the job done.
Contact a Utah Interior Decorator for Backup
Now you’ve found out how to calculate the amount of paint needed to transform your room. Not sure what paint color to choose? What about matching the upholstery to the new color scheme? Need help carrying that 5-gallon bucket? An interior decorator in Salt Lake City can help you do all of that and more! Our Nest Designs has been decorating homes for decades. Find out how we can help you create the home of your dreams! Call us today at (801)913-8962 to schedule your initial consultation!
