Paint guides
Everything we've written about estimating paint — start with the overview, then dig into the specifics. Ready for a number? The paint calculator does the arithmetic in seconds.
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How Much Paint Do I Need?
A simple, accurate method for estimating how much paint to buy for any room — with a worked example, a quick reference table, and the exact formula painters use.
Read the guide →Paint Coverage Explained
What "350 square feet per gallon" really means, why real-world coverage varies, and how to read the spread rate on a paint can so your estimate matches what actually happens on the wall.
Read the guide →Interior vs. Exterior Paint
How interior and exterior paint actually differ — resins, additives, durability, and finish — plus when each one is the right choice and why you shouldn't swap them.
Read the guide →How Many Coats of Paint Should You Apply?
When one coat is enough, why two is the standard, and the situations that call for three — plus how primer changes the count and how coats affect the amount of paint you buy.
Read the guide →Paint Coverage by Surface
Why smooth, textured, and rough surfaces need different amounts of paint — with the coverage factors to apply, plus specific guidance for ceilings, new drywall, and masonry.
Read the guide →Common Painting Mistakes
The paint-buying and prep mistakes that cause peeling, patchy color, and wasted gallons — and the simple habits that prevent each one, from measuring to the final coat.
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