Quick Answer
Standard paint covers 350 square feet per gallon, premium paint covers 400 square feet per gallon. Always apply 2 coats minimum for proper coverage and durability. Primer covers 300 square feet per gallon and is required on new drywall, bare wood, or when covering dark colors with light paint. Textured walls reduce coverage by 15-20%.
Paint Coverage Rates Guide - How Much Does a Gallon Cover?
Learn standard paint coverage rates by type, factors that affect coverage, and when primer is required for accurate paint quantity estimates.
Table of Contents
What Is Paint Coverage Rate?
Paint coverage rate is the area a gallon of paint covers per coat, measured in square feet per gallon. Standard interior latex paint covers 350-400 square feet per gallon on smooth, primed surfaces. Coverage rates decrease on textured, porous, or unprepared surfaces where paint absorbs more deeply into the substrate.
Coverage rates assume proper application thickness and technique. Applying paint too thick wastes material and causes drips, while applying too thin results in poor hide and requires additional coats. Manufacturers test coverage under controlled conditions on sealed surfaces, so real-world coverage is typically 10-15% lower than labeled rates.
Standard Coverage Rates:
- • Standard interior paint: 350 sq ft per gallon
- • Premium interior paint: 400 sq ft per gallon
- • Primer/sealer: 300 sq ft per gallon
- • Exterior paint: 250-350 sq ft per gallon
- • Ceiling paint: 350-400 sq ft per gallon
Paint Coverage Rates by Type
Different paint types have varying coverage rates based on solids content, pigment loading, and formulation. Higher-quality paints with more pigment and resin solids provide better coverage per gallon despite higher cost per gallon. The coverage chart shows expected rates for properly prepared surfaces.
| Paint Type | Coverage (sq ft/gal) | Typical Coats | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primer/Sealer | 300 sq ft | 1 coat | New drywall, bare wood, stain blocking |
| Flat/Matte Interior | 350-400 sq ft | 2 coats | Ceilings, low-traffic walls, hides imperfections |
| Eggshell Interior | 350-400 sq ft | 2 coats | Most common, living rooms, bedrooms |
| Satin Interior | 350-400 sq ft | 2 coats | Bathrooms, kitchens, washable finish |
| Semi-Gloss Interior | 350-400 sq ft | 2 coats | Trim, doors, cabinets, high-traffic |
| Gloss/High-Gloss | 350-400 sq ft | 2-3 coats | Doors, trim, furniture, maximum durability |
| Exterior Latex | 250-350 sq ft | 2 coats | Siding, exterior walls, weather-resistant |
| Ceiling Paint | 350-400 sq ft | 1-2 coats | Flat white, spatter-resistant, low-drip |
Note: Premium paints (Sherwin-Williams Duration, Benjamin Moore Aura) achieve 400 sq ft/gallon with superior hide. Budget paints often require 3 coats to match 2 coats of premium paint, eliminating cost savings.
What Factors Affect Paint Coverage?
Paint coverage varies significantly based on surface texture, porosity, color change, and application method. Rough or textured surfaces can reduce coverage by 20-30% compared to smooth drywall. Painting dark colors with light paint or vice versa requires additional coats to achieve proper hide.
Coverage Reduction Factors:
Surface Texture:
Smooth drywall (primed): 100% coverage rate (350-400 sq ft/gal)
Light texture/orange peel: 85-90% coverage (300-340 sq ft/gal)
Heavy texture/knockdown: 70-80% coverage (245-280 sq ft/gal)
Popcorn ceiling: 60-70% coverage (210-245 sq ft/gal)
Surface Porosity:
Previously painted (good condition): 100% coverage rate
New drywall without primer: 60-70% coverage (requires primer)
Bare wood: 50-60% coverage (requires primer/sealer)
Concrete/masonry: 40-60% coverage (requires masonry primer)
Color Change:
Light over light (same family): 100% coverage, 2 coats
Light over dark: 80-90% coverage, 2-3 coats required
Dark over light: 90-100% coverage, 2 coats
Red, yellow, or orange: 70-80% coverage, often requires tinted primer + 2 coats
Application Method:
Roller application: 100% coverage rate (most efficient)
Brush application: 90-95% coverage (some waste)
Sprayer application: 70-85% coverage (overspray waste, but faster)
Example: Painting a textured wall (85% coverage) dark red over white requires tinted primer + 3 coats. Effective coverage: 350 sq ft × 0.85 = 298 sq ft per gallon. A 400 sq ft wall requires 400 ÷ 298 = 1.34 gallons per coat × 3 coats = 4 gallons total.
When Should You Use Primer?
Primer is required on new drywall, bare wood, glossy surfaces being repainted, and when covering stains or dark colors with light paint. Primer seals porous surfaces, improves paint adhesion, and provides uniform surface for true color. Skipping primer on new drywall results in blotchy coverage and wastes paint.
| Surface Condition | Primer Required? | Primer Type | Result Without Primer |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Drywall | YES - Required | Drywall primer/sealer (PVA) | Blotchy finish, 3-4 coats needed, visible sheen differences |
| Bare Wood | YES - Required | Oil-based or shellac primer | Grain raise, tannin bleed, poor adhesion |
| Dark Color to Light | YES - Recommended | Tinted primer (gray) | Color shows through, 3-4 coats needed |
| Glossy Surface Repaint | YES - Recommended | Bonding primer | Poor adhesion, peeling within 1-2 years |
| Water Stains/Smoke | YES - Required | Stain-blocking primer (shellac-based) | Stains bleed through all paint coats |
| Previously Painted (good condition) | NO - Not needed | None | N/A - Paint directly with 2 coats |
| Light Color to Dark | NO - Optional | Tinted primer (optional) | 2 coats covers adequately |
Cost Analysis: Primer vs Extra Paint Coats
Scenario: 400 sq ft of new drywall
Option 1 - With Primer: 1 coat primer + 2 coats paint = $35 primer + $70 paint = $105 total
Option 2 - Without Primer: 4 coats paint for even coverage = $140 paint + worse finish = $140 total
Savings: Using primer saves $35 and provides superior, more durable finish
Primer costs less per gallon ($20-30) than paint ($30-50) and covers better on raw surfaces. Always use primer on new surfaces.
One Coat vs Two Coats Paint Comparison
Professional painters always apply two coats minimum for proper hide, color accuracy, and durability. One coat may appear adequate initially but shows unevenness in different lighting, wears faster, and typically requires repainting in 1-2 years versus 3-5 years for properly applied two coats.
| Factor | One Coat | Two Coats (Recommended) |
|---|---|---|
| Color Accuracy | 70-85% of true color, lighter than expected | 100% true color match to sample |
| Hide/Coverage | Substrate shows through, visible patches | Complete hide, uniform appearance |
| Sheen Uniformity | Uneven sheen, dull spots visible | Consistent sheen throughout |
| Durability | 1-2 years before repainting needed | 3-5 years longevity, better wear resistance |
| Washability | Wears through when cleaned | Withstands repeated cleaning |
| Touch-Up Ability | Touch-ups very visible | Touch-ups blend seamlessly |
| Cost (400 sq ft) | $35 (1 gallon) | $70 (2 gallons) - worth the investment |
When is one coat acceptable? Only when repainting the exact same color over a properly primed surface in excellent condition with no stains or damage. Even then, two coats provide superior longevity.
How Does Texture Affect Paint Coverage?
Textured walls have 15-40% more surface area than smooth walls depending on texture depth. Orange peel texture reduces coverage by approximately 15%, while heavy knockdown or popcorn textures can reduce coverage by 30-40%. Always increase paint quantity estimates when painting textured surfaces.
| Texture Type | Coverage Reduction | Effective Coverage (from 350 sq ft/gal) | Application Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth/Level 5 Finish | 0% reduction | 350 sq ft/gal | Baseline, maximum coverage |
| Orange Peel (Light) | 15% reduction | 298 sq ft/gal | Most common residential texture |
| Knockdown (Medium) | 20-25% reduction | 263-280 sq ft/gal | Use thick nap roller (3/4") |
| Skip Trowel (Heavy) | 25-30% reduction | 245-263 sq ft/gal | Deep texture, use 1" nap roller |
| Popcorn Ceiling | 30-40% reduction | 210-245 sq ft/gal | Spray application recommended |
Pro tip: Use longer nap rollers for textured surfaces. Smooth walls use 3/8" nap, light texture uses 1/2" nap, medium texture uses 3/4" nap, and heavy texture requires 1" nap. Correct nap ensures paint reaches into texture valleys for complete coverage.
Common Paint Coverage Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Skipping Primer on New Drywall
Error: Painting new drywall directly without primer to save money and time.
Result: Blotchy finish with visible sheen differences between drywall paper and joint compound. Requires 3-4 coats of paint to achieve even coverage, costing more than primer + 2 paint coats. Primer costs $20-30/gallon and ensures uniform absorption.
Mistake #2: Attempting One Coat Over Dark Colors
Error: Painting light color over dark color with single coat to save time and paint.
Result: Dark color shows through, requiring 3-4 coats total. Use gray-tinted primer + 2 coats of finish paint instead. Tinted primer costs $25-35/gallon and reduces total coats needed by 1-2, saving labor and materials.
Mistake #3: Not Accounting for Texture in Estimates
Error: Using standard 350 sq ft/gallon coverage rate for heavily textured walls.
Result: Running short of paint mid-project. Orange peel texture reduces coverage to 298 sq ft/gallon (15% reduction), knockdown to 263 sq ft/gallon (25% reduction). Always reduce coverage estimates by 15-30% for textured surfaces.
Mistake #4: Using Cheap Paint to Save Money
Error: Buying budget paint at $20/gallon instead of premium paint at $45/gallon.
Result: Budget paint requires 3 coats vs 2 coats for premium (300 sq ft/gal vs 400 sq ft/gal). For 400 sq ft: Budget requires 4 gallons × $20 = $80, Premium requires 2 gallons × $45 = $90. Minimal savings, worse coverage, and twice the labor time.
Mistake #5: Forgetting to Account for Two Coats
Error: Calculating paint quantity for one coat only, assuming one coat is sufficient.
Result: Running out of paint halfway through second coat. Always multiply area by 2 for proper coverage calculations. For 800 sq ft of wall area: 800 × 2 coats ÷ 350 sq ft/gal = 4.6 gallons (round to 5 gallons or 1.25 gallons per room).
Mistake #6: Not Testing Coverage on Sample Area
Error: Trusting manufacturer coverage rates without testing on actual surface.
Result: Real-world coverage often 10-20% lower than labeled rates due to texture, color change, or surface condition. Always paint a 4×4 foot test area and measure actual paint used to calculate true coverage before ordering full quantity.
Ready to Calculate Your Paint Needs?
Use our free paint calculator with built-in coverage rates, primer calculations, and texture adjustments. Get instant, accurate estimates for your project.
Use Paint Calculator →