How Much Paint Do You Need to Purchase for Your Interior Projects?
Giving your home a fresh coat of paint is a great way to update any space while helping things look new, clean and cared for. Interior painting takes quite a bit of planning and preparation, even if you’re only addressing one room. In addition to cleaning and repairing the walls, moving furniture and covering fixtures, you’ll also need to choose and purchase a good quality paint. How much paint do you really need for your project? Here are some tips to help you avoid overbuying or making extra trips to the paint store.
Take Accurate Measurements
Start by taking thorough measurements of the walls in your space. It can be helpful to draw a sketch or make a simple chart to help you keep track of all the numbers. Next, calculate the square footage of your space by multiplying the length and width of each square or rectangular section. You’ll need to make numerous calculations and add them up in order to get an accurate total.
Read the Labels Carefully
Once you know the square footage of the space you’re painting, it’s time to go shopping. In general, your average gallon of paint covers approximately 350 square feet of flat surface. However, this will fluctuate a little based on the brand, color, and finish you choose. Be sure to check the labels and see exactly how much you can anticipate one gallon to cover.
Consider Your Home’s Unique Needs
If you’re planning on painting a newly constructed wall or are trying to change from a bold wall color, you’ll likely need two coats for a better finish. In these situations, you should choose a higher quality paint with primer already included, or you’ll need to purchase twice as much paint for good coverage.
When you’re ready to purchase paint for an upcoming interior painting job, talk to your paint pro first. They can help you determine the proper amount and type for your home’s needs. In some situations, they may even take care of this step for you and include the cost in the overall price, saving you time and effort.