Question 1

How do I calculate how much paint I need?

Accepted Answer

To calculate paint needed: Calculate total wall area (2 × length × height + 2 × width × height). Subtract door openings (21 sq ft each) and window openings (15 sq ft each). Multiply by number of coats. Divide by coverage rate (350-400 sq ft per gallon for standard paint). Round up to the nearest gallon.

Question 2

How much area does one gallon of paint cover?

Accepted Answer

Paint coverage varies by type: Primer covers approximately 300 sq ft per gallon, standard latex paint covers 350 sq ft per gallon, premium paint covers 400 sq ft per gallon, and textured walls require more paint at about 250 sq ft per gallon. These are single-coat coverages—multiply your area by the number of coats needed.

Question 3

How many coats of paint do I need?

Accepted Answer

Most painting projects require 2 coats for best coverage and durability. Use 1 coat only when touching up or applying paint over similar colors. Use 3 coats when covering dark colors with light colors or when using very light or very dark paint colors. Premium paints may provide better coverage with fewer coats.

Question 4

Do I need primer before painting?

Accepted Answer

Use primer in these situations: Always prime new drywall (it absorbs paint unevenly). Use tinted primer when going from dark to light colors. Use stain-blocking primer over water stains, smoke damage, or wood knots. You may skip primer when repainting similar colors over existing paint in good condition.

Question 5

How much does interior paint cost?

Accepted Answer

Interior paint prices vary by quality: Budget paint costs $20-30 per gallon, standard paint costs $30-45 per gallon, premium paint costs $45-75 per gallon. Primer costs $20-35 per gallon. For professional painting labor, expect $1.50-3.00 per square foot. A typical 12×12 room costs $200-400 in materials or $600-1,200 with professional labor.

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