When doing an exterior painting project, one of the most common questions everyone asks is, “How much paint do I need to paint a house exterior?” Estimating the right amount of paint is essential not only to avoid unnecessary trips to the store but also to save money and reduce waste.
We have compiled this detailed blog to walk you through the steps to accurately calculate the amount and cost of painting the house exterior so that you’re fully prepared before you start.
Measure the Area You Need to Paint
How much does it cost for exterior house painting? The first step in calculating how much paint you’ll need and what the cost will be is to measure the surface area you plan to cover. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by measuring each wall. Multiply height and width together to get the total square footage of each wall.
- To get an accurate estimate, you’ll need to subtract the square footage of any windows and doors from your total. Measure the square footage of this area and subtract it from the total area of the room.
- Once you’ve measured and subtracted for all walls, doors, and windows, add the square footage of each wall together to get the total square footage of the area you plan to paint.
Determine the Number of Coats
The cost of painting a house exterior also depends upon the number of coats, and the number of coats you’ll need depends on several factors. These factors include the colour of the existing paint, the colour you’re applying, and the type of paint you’re using. Here’s a general guideline:
- Single Coat: If you’re painting a similar colour over an existing paint job, one coat might be sufficient.
- Two Coats: Most exterior projects require at least two coats for even coverage, especially if you’re painting over a darker colour or using a lighter shade.
- Primer Coat: If you’re painting a bare surface or making significant exterior house paint colours change, a primer coat followed by two coats of paint is recommended.
Multiply the total square footage by the number of coats to get the total square footage you need to cover.
Understand Paint Coverage
Paint coverage and the cost to paint a house exterior varies depending on the type of paint, the surface you’re painting, and the manufacturer. Generally, one gallon of paint covers about 350-400 square feet per coat. However, rough or textured surfaces, like stucco or brick, can reduce coverage to 250-300 square feet per gallon. Always check the paint can label for the manufacturer’s specific coverage estimate. Use this number to calculate how many gallons of paint you’ll need.
If you’re painting a rough surface, plan to buy extra paint to account for the reduced coverage.
Calculate the Amount of Paint Needed
Now that you have all the necessary measurements and information, it’s time to calculate the amount and cost to paint the exterior of the house:
Formula:
Total area square footage ÷ Coverage per gallon = Number of paint gallons needed
For example, if your total square footage is 1,000 square feet and your paint covers 350 square feet per gallon, you would need about 2.85 gallons per coat. If you’re applying two coats, multiply that by 2, resulting in approximately 5.7 gallons. In this case, it’s best to round up and purchase 6 gallons of paint.
Don’t Forget to Account for Touch-Ups
Even with precise calculations, it’s wise to purchase a little extra paint for touch-ups. Surfaces can get scratched or dented during the painting process, or you might miss a spot and need to go back later. Having an extra quart on hand can save you from the hassle of matching paint later.
Consider Paint Waste and Spillage
Inevitably, some paint will be lost to waste and spillage during your project. Factor in about 10% extra paint to account for this. It’s better to have a bit more than you need rather than coming up short.
Summing It Up
If you measure accurately, understand paint coverage, and consider the specific needs of your project, you can make sure that you purchase the right amount of paint for your exterior project. Proper planning not only saves you time and money but also guarantees that your home gets the beautiful, lasting finish it deserves. These tips will help you confidently calculate how much paint you need for a successful exterior paint job. Now that you have an idea about the calculation process, get connected with Luxury Design Painting today for the best exterior house painter. We have a skilled team of Apartment Painters, office Painters, and commercial painters who know their jobs the best.
