How Much Paint Should I Use To Paint My Own House?

A gallon of paint covers 250 to 400 square feet, and a gallon of primer can cover 200 to 300 square feet. The exact coverage varies and is often listed on the can. For example, a 1,500 square foot home will need five gallons of paint for a single coat with a 300 square foot coverage (1,500 ÷ 300 = 5). Our exterior paint calculator tool is a convenient solution to estimate the cost of painting a house or the amount of paint needed for your exterior painting project.

To use the calculator, enter the length and width of your project, and then calculate the number of coats required. This tool supports doors and windows, number of coats, and custom paint coverage efficiency. Paint coverage is fairly universal, and the general rule of thumb is one gallon per 400 square feet. With exterior paint prices up 30 since 2021, buying the correct amount of paint is more important than ever.

To determine the number of coats needed for your project, measure the house’s perimeter and multiply that figure by the height, excluding gable ends. The general rule of thumb is one gallon per 400 square feet, but this is just a rough guideline. A gallon typically covers about 350-400 square feet on smooth surfaces, but rougher textures might reduce coverage to around 200-250 square feet.

Generally, exterior paint covers 150-200 square feet (depending on the surface), with more coarse surfaces requiring more paint. Use our free online paint calculator to find out how much paint you will need to complete a project and give your house a whole new look.

How much does 5 gallons of paint cover an exterior?

A five-gallon container of paint has the capacity to cover an area of up to 2, 000 square feet. In order to ascertain the requisite quantity of paint for a given painting project, one may utilize the paint calculator or the Quick Calculation option, which is particularly suited to situations involving simple rooms or statement walls.

How much paint do I need for the exterior of a 2000 sq ft house?

The exact amount of paint needed for a 2000 sq ft house can vary depending on the surface area and condition of each wall. It can range from 5-10 gallons, depending on the number of coats and special primers or sealants used. Factors like color choice and sheen also affect the paint requirement. Consulting with an experienced painting contractor can help ensure enough product and avoid waste. For a 2000 sq ft house exterior, approximately 10 gallons of paint are needed, with the exact amount varying depending on surface condition and color selection.

For a 1500 sq ft house, 8-10 gal of pigment is needed, with two coats requiring 400 square feet per gallon. To ensure accurate results, measure the walls and multiply this number by 2 for both coats. Consider purchasing an extra gallon or two as a backup for touch-ups after the painting is complete.

How much does 1 gallon of exterior paint cover?

To estimate the amount of paint needed for a trim, estimate the length of the total trim and factor in the paint for a second coat if necessary. BEHR paints are available in quarts for small areas and five-gallon pails for large areas. It’s crucial to purchase enough paint to complete your project without having a large amount of leftover product. Determine the number of coats needed to cover your existing surface.

How much paint do I need to paint an exterior house?

Estimating the paint needed for a job is simple: measure the area to be painted and calculate the coverage per gallon. Factors such as house size, surface condition, coating type, and application method also affect the paint amount needed. For example, narrow lap siding, shingles, masonry, or stucco exterior walls can require 10 to 50 percent more paint than smooth, flat walls. Airless sprayers may require twice as much paint for the same surface dimensions as brushes, rollers, or pads. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider these factors when purchasing paint.

How many gallons to paint a 1500 sq ft house exterior?

To calculate the average paint needed for a 1, 500 sq ft house, divide the paintable area by the coverage of a gallon of paint. Gallon coverage ranges from 250 to 400 square feet, while primer covers 200 to 300 sq ft. For example, a 1, 500 sq ft home would require five gallons of paint for one coat. Online paint calculators are available, and most homes require two coats. The cost of painting a 1, 500 sq ft house exterior is around $2, 250 to $6, 000.

The cost depends on the size of the area, with an average of $1. 50 to $4 per square foot. Larger homes with multiple stories or hard-to-reach areas may have higher costs, with two-story homes typically costing $3, 000 to $6, 200, and three-story homes around $4, 500 to over $10, 000.

How much should I charge to paint the exterior of a house?

When considering painting your home’s exterior, it’s crucial to get an estimate of the cost for quality workmanship. In California, the cost ranges from $2 to $4 per square foot, with a 2, 500 square foot home costing between $5000-$10, 000. To ensure a fair price, it’s essential to hire a company with experience and excellent customer service. Diamond Star Painting, a professional exterior painting company, has been providing services since 1987.

They have extensive experience on all surfaces, including wood, plastic, and metal. Whether you’re painting siding or a multifamily complex, Diamond Star Painting is the right choice for your painting project. Painting the exterior of your home can be a complex task, but hiring a professional can relieve stress and uncertainty. They serve the north Sacramento area, including Rocklin, Folsom, and El Dorado Hills.

Is it better to roll or spray exterior paint?

The choice between spray and rolling exterior paint tools is complex. While sprayers are often preferred due to their efficiency, better coverage, and professional finish, it is essential for a painter to use both tools to achieve the best paint job. For porous surfaces like brick or stucco, a sprayer is recommended, while a roller can be used to “back-roll” the paint in. For smoother surfaces like trim, wood, lap, vinyl, or metal siding, spraying is more suitable as it eliminates roller marks and allows for different angle angles to ensure full coverage.

Both tools should be used under different circumstances, and the choice between spray and rolling depends on the specific needs of the project. For more inspiration, check out our gallery of exterior paint projects and Instagram for more inspiration.

How much does a 5 gallon bucket of exterior paint cover?

A five-gallon container of paint has the capacity to cover an area of up to 2, 000 square feet. In order to ascertain the requisite quantity of paint for a given painting project, one may utilize the paint calculator or the Quick Calculation option for straightforward rooms or statement walls. The calculator is accessible via the Project Center.

Can I paint my whole house by myself?

Painting your entire house yourself is possible, provided you invest time and effort. It is generally cheaper than hiring professional painters as labor costs are eliminated. However, consider expenses like purchasing quality paints and supplies when calculating overall costs. Painting the exterior of your house not only improves curb appeal but also increases its value by protecting against weather damage and making it more attractive to potential buyers. If using a paint sprayer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for a professional-looking paint job.

Can I paint my own house exterior?

The Ricciardi Brothers offer tips for DIYing your home’s exterior paint, ensuring a clean and neat look. To start, choose quality paint and tools, and buy paint from a reputable industry brand. The exterior of your home is the first thing that will catch the attention of guests and passersby. Schedule your paint job ahead of time, choosing a dry, sunny day with low humidity. This will prevent paint from sticking to your walls if they are wet from rain or sweating from humidity.

In summary, DIYing your home’s exterior paint is a simple and cost-effective way to update your home’s appearance. Choose the best paint and tools, and schedule your paint job ahead of time to ensure a long-lasting and visually appealing finish. Remember that the exterior paint will not stick to wet or humid surfaces, so be prepared for potential challenges.

Can you paint the exterior of your house yourself?

While painting one’s house exterior may result in cost savings, the potential risks associated with this DIY project may outweigh the benefits in the long run. To make an informed decision and complete the job safely, it is essential to conduct thorough research on the project in advance.