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Paint Calculator - Estimating Coverage

My newest project, a fixer-upper, needs to be repainted. The living room, 15 feet by 23 feet, has 12 foot ceilings. I wondered how much paint to buy.

By searching Google, I found a website that has a paint calculator. The site, MIstupid.com, provides a lot of useful information. If you have time to spare, you can read about vitamins, use a currency converter, and much more. Surf the content section for information on sports, history, geography, health, technology, etc.

Back to my dilemma and how much paint to buy... Pat Starnes, Metro Jackson, MS Realtor According to the chart, I'll need 4.56 gallons of paint for two coats. I would have guessed (hoped) three gallons would be enough, but I would have underestimated. Instead of racing back to the store for another gallon or two, I'll save time AND money, and buy a five gallon bucket. I'd rather have a little extra than not enough. With any leftover paint, I can always continue down the hall.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Assoc., LLC

Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area. Pat Starnes, Realtor

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

McIntosh and Assoc., LLC

434 Katherine Drive

Flowood, MS 39232

601-278-4513 - cell

601-936-2007 - office

Posted by Pat Starnes on 12/14/2008 11:04 PM

Comments (8)

Paint Calculator in the Home Improvement Channel

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Originally posted at: Pat Starnes' Snippets: Paint Calculator - Estimating Coverage

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8 Comments on Paint Calculator - Estimating Coverage

DEC

I was a professional painter for quite some time before getting into Real Estate directly. It really depends on if you are switching colors, trying to cover something up, and how long it has been since it was last painted. You can literally feel how dry the walls are after you have done it a while. It is really hard to rely on something to know for sure how much paint you need other than experience. For sure if you are using expensive paint or think it will take more than 2 coats, start with primer. Its almost always cheaper doing several coats of primer and the final product does come out nicer.

Hi Shane! Thanks for your input. Though not a professional painter, I am quite good and have a lot of experience in the homes and rental properties I've painted. I agree with what you say about dry walls...I suspect the paint will soak into these walls as the house hasn't been repainted in about five years. The current walls are off-white, so I shouldn't need to prime.

I've been missing you lately. Good to hear from you. ~Pat

Good advice from Shane. If your hiding something Kilz is a good product for spot coverage and will make your final coat go farther.

Hi Pat, My husband is a paint products consultant for Ann Arbor's best family owned paint store http://www.andersonpaint.com/ He said call an independent paint store (not a big box). Talk to a knowledgeable paint rep. Plan on using 2 coats. A dark color & you'll use more. Some products are 'self primer'. The higher quality paints don't need primer at all like Benjamin Moore Aura. Primer is really for bare wood or new drywall. Primer can be used as a 'hiding' coat, but the BEST results are still achieved by using 2 coats of quality paint- so why bother with a primer? It's an unnecessary extra step. Good luck!

DEC

Hi Pat. Helpful post.

I have made that drive for another gallon too many times. This will be valuable.

Ken

Jack: Thanks for visiting. Kilz is great. You should see this house though, after the structural folks trampled through. Ouch! It's a mess. I can't paint or anything else until it's thoroughly cleaned!

Marian: I've heard about Benjamin Moore "Aura", but haven't used it before. Thanks for the tip.

Ken: You should see my existing paint closet! I have numerous gallons of "one color only" that I pick up from the local home improvement stores mismatched section. I love that stuff~!

~Pat

DEC

Great post. It is always better to buy a little too much paint rather than too little. You never know when you need to touch up a ding, childrens marker drawing on the wall or something.

;)

DEC

Betina: Yes, I like having leftover paint, but I have been known to mix my leftover paint, as long as they have the same finish, (satin, eggshell, etc.) and create new colors. Beiges do really well, but so do greens and greys.

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