Painting the exterior of your house can be a daunting task, but it can also give your home a fresh new look and add value to your property. One of the most important aspects of any painting project is determining how much paint you need to buy. Not having enough paint can lead to an incomplete job, while buying too much can be wasteful and costly. In this blog post, we will discuss how to calculate the amount of paint you need for your house exterior.
- Determine the size of your house
The first step in calculating the amount of paint you need is to determine the size of your house. This can be done by measuring the length and height of each exterior wall. Multiply the length by the height to get the square footage of each wall, and then add up the square footage of all the walls to get the total square footage of your house.
- Consider the type of surface
Different types of surfaces will require different amounts of paint. For example, a rough surface such as stucco will require more paint than a smooth surface like wood siding. Additionally, if your house has a lot of trim or decorative features, you will need more paint to cover those areas.
- Check the coverage rate of the paint
The coverage rate of a paint is the amount of square footage that one gallon of paint can cover. This information can usually be found on the paint can or on the manufacturer’s website. The coverage rate will vary depending on the type of paint and the surface it is being applied to. For example, a high-quality latex paint may have a coverage rate of 400 square feet per gallon, while a lower-quality paint may only cover 250 square feet per gallon.
- Calculate the amount of paint needed
To calculate the amount of paint needed, divide the total square footage of your house by the coverage rate of the paint you have chosen. This will give you the number of gallons of paint you need for one coat. Keep in mind that you will likely need more than one coat of paint to achieve full coverage, so multiply the number of gallons needed for one coat by the number of coats you plan to apply.
For example, let’s say you have a 2,000 square foot house with wood siding and you have chosen a high-quality latex paint with a coverage rate of 400 square feet per gallon. To calculate the amount of paint needed for one coat, you would divide 2,000 by 400, which equals 5 gallons. If you plan to apply two coats of paint, you would need 10 gallons of paint.
- Don’t forget to account for additional surfaces
When calculating the amount of paint you need, don’t forget to account for additional surfaces such as doors, shutters, and trim. These areas will require additional paint, and the amount needed will depend on the size and number of these features. As a general rule, plan to buy an extra quart of paint for every 100 square feet of additional surface area.
- Buy extra paint
It’s always a good idea to buy extra paint, even if you have calculated the exact amount you need. This will ensure that you have enough paint to cover any touch-ups or repairs that may be needed in the future. Additionally, if you run out of paint in the middle of the project, it can be difficult to match the color exactly if you need to purchase more later.
In conclusion, calculating the amount of paint you need for your house exterior requires a bit of math, but it is a crucial step in any painting project. By taking the time to measure your house, consider the type of surface, check the coverage rate of the paint, and account for additional surfaces, you can ensure that you buy the right amount of paint for your project.
For more information on the services we provide or to discuss your requirements in more detail, contact a member of the team at Homm CPS today.