When it comes to interior painting, planning is key. As one of the best painters in Bala Cynwyd, PA, we’ve seen many homeowners struggle with the question, “How much paint do I need?” Whether you’re painting a single room or an entire house, accurately determining how much interior paint is required will help you avoid unnecessary trips to the store and, more importantly, wasted paint. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to ensure you get it right.
Calculating Interior Paint Needs
The first part of determining how much paint you will need for your interior painting job is to know the surface area you are trying to cover. This will allow you to purchase the correct amount of paint and avoid over- or under-estimating.
Measure the Room’s Surface Area
To start with, you’ll be required to measure the length and height of all the walls that you are going to paint. You should then multiply each wall’s height and length in order to get its surface area. Once you’ve calculated each wall’s area, you add them up and arrive at the total square feet that you will be required to paint. The amount is significant when you’re calculating the exact paint estimate.
Account for Doors and Windows
Don’t forget that doors and windows take up space, and you won’t be painting them (unless you want to). Measure the height and width of any doors and windows and subtract their surface areas from the total. This will give you a more accurate idea of how much paint is needed.
Standard Coverage Per Gallon
Once you are aware of the amount of square area, then you can calculate what paint you will require. Interior paint normally covers an area of 350 to 400 square feet per gallon. If you are using primer, it normally covers an area of 200 to 300 square feet per gallon.
Factor in Multiple Coats
For most jobs, one coat of paint just won’t cut it, especially if you’re painting a bold color change or over a dark color. Most pros will tell you that two coats are the minimum for even coverage. Be sure to factor this additional paint into your calculations when deciding how much to purchase.
Don’t Forget the Ceiling and Trim
Ceilings and trim are sometimes forgotten when preparing to paint. Don’t neglect to include them in your paint estimates. To determine how much paint to use on the ceiling, multiply the length of the room by its width. For the trim and baseboards, measure the overall length and include the width for a proper estimate.
Using Online Tools for Accuracy
If you find the math intimidating, fear not. Online paint calculators can help simplify the process. Many paint retailers, like Lowe’s, offer free online tools that factor in standard door and window sizes, helping you estimate your paint needs without the guesswork.
Choosing the Right Paint
Though understanding how much paint to purchase is essential, it’s also vital to understand what kind of paint to purchase. Different finishes of paint, such as matte, satin, and semi-gloss, have different coverage levels. Some specialty paints, such as for high-traffic or for kitchen use, may offer better one-coat coverage.
The condition of your equipment also goes towards getting the best possible outcomes. For example, good quality rollers and brushes will give a smoother, flatter finish that can reduce how much paint you need.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most frequent errors made by homeowners is measuring the surface area inaccurately. Always double-check your measurements to confirm accuracy. Underestimating paint needed for textured or porous surfaces is another common error. Such surfaces absorb paint, and therefore, more paint is needed.
Finally, don’t forget to mix your paint. Even though you buy a number of cans of the same color, the tiny differences in batches will result in mottled coloring. Mixing all your cans together in one large bucket will get everything the same throughout the entire room.
Why Hire Professional Painters?
While it’s certainly possible to paint your interior on your own, many homeowners turn to professional painters in the Main Line for their expertise. We take care of all the details, from precise measurements to using the right tools and techniques for a flawless finish. Plus, with years of experience, our team can quickly and efficiently handle the job with minimal disruption to your daily life.
Get Your Interior Painting Project Started Today
Now that you know the formula for estimating how much paint you will need, now is the ideal time to plan your project. If you are prepared to redecorate your house with a fresh coat of paint, put your trust in our professionals and get excellent work. Call today to schedule a consultation or estimate. Leave the guesswork out of your painting project and have a stunning, long-lasting finish.
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