How do I know how much paint to buy for the interior rooms. Is there a formula?

Answer 1

To estimate the amount of paint you will need for a particular job, you need to know the square footage of the area you are painting and then divide that number by the coverage area for the paint you'll be using. This information should be available on the side of the paint can.

The formula is 2 x ( W + L ) x H + ( W x L ); whereas W=width, L=Length and H=Height.

For example if you have a room that measures 9' x 12' with an 8' high ceiling, the formula would be; 2 x ( 9 + 12 ) x 8 + ( 9 x 12 .) Exclude the last part "+ ( 9 x 12)" if you are not painting the ceiling. Don't worry about window or door space since you will use the extra paint from those areas for touchups. Use the same formula to figure out the closet space and add that to the room footage. The numbers confirm the total area to be painted is 444' (square) feet. Now divide this amount by the coverage area printed on the side of the can.

To continue with our example: (side of paint can confirms coverage of 400' (coverage area) feet per gallon (or per 4 litres,) you will need approximately 1 gallon of paint for each coat of paint you plan on applying. If not sure about the number of coats you'll need, start with one gallon and then you will have a better idea if you need another gallon. In case the surface is less than one foot wide, figure in linear feet and convert it to square feet.



If you are painting the ceiling a different color than the walls, you'll need to buy a spare gallon just for the ceiling. If such is the case, remember to deduct the ceiling area from the total to determine the paint required for the walls. Also remember, it is normal to have paint leftover after any paint job. Rarely does any painter buy the exact amount of paint for the exact area to be painted.

If you are perplexed in trying to read/use this formula to figure out the paint you'll need or if you want to confirm your calculations, you can use our paint estimate calculator to do so.

Answer 2

I am sure there is, but it will all depend on what color the room is and what color you plan on painting it. If you are painting a dark room light you will have to put on several coats, where as if it is the opposite then you will use less. The best thing to do is take you measurements (and drawings if you are good at that) to Home Depot or a paint store like Sherman Williams. The sales people will be more than happy to help and they will only sell you what you need. Happy customers are repeat customers. Have fun painting =)

Answer 3

depends on the paint quality you want, how many coats you want to apply, and the texture of the wall, ceilings etc. and the color. ( covering dark colors with light colors may take 3 to 4 coats) in general, paint will cover 150 square feet per gallon. The paint can itself will also give you an approximate square footage.

Answer 4

how many square feet you want to cover and if you changing colors, how many coats it will take. then the quality of the paint adds variables
for a 10 x 13 room 1-2 gallons will do.

Answer 5

On the paint it tells you how much to use depending on the square footage of the room. Darker colors you will usually need to do a few coats.

Answer 6

Any high quality paint variety is wonderful, yet through fact it is going to be in a newborn's room i could recommend utilising semi-gloss paint. it rather is easy to wipe up and freshen up mishaps that ensue.

Answer 7

measure the room size and count the doors. ask the paint store guy.

Answer 8

most gallons of paint cover 300-450 square feet.....measure your rooms and you will know.....

here is a link to help all questions you have...http://www.benjaminmoore.ca/howto/paint_calculator.aspx

Answer 9

well , i just finished my daughters room and got to about the last 3-4ft patch on the wall and ran out of 1 gallon. so had to get another. her room is 12X8

Answer 10

well you could ask the people at the paint counter