How do I estimate how much paint is needed?

[Michael Dorey]

The reason I pose this question is don't want to buy more than I need.

I recently ordered paint for my business and had a Sherman William's rep come measure and give me an estimate of what I needed. It was over by 10 gallons of paint.

Good thing is it's a neutral tan color so I can use it in other places but I know the wife will want to use different colors in some rooms.

So how do I estimate the amount needed?

[Bill Kramer]

350 sqft to the gallon. You have to account for unusable paint that sticks to rollers, pans, etc... Also, some painters put it on thicker than others, and there goes that 350sqft down to 275.

if your bleeding out your equipment, scrounging every last drop, 400 sqft it is. A safer bet is is 350 though. Wet mil thickness plays a key role in paint usage. Everyone applies paint differently.

Quality of paint is another massive variable. If you go cheap, you sacrifice hiding ability and coverage, requiring yet more coats and more paint.

Time is cheaper than materials. So always buy excess materials to save time and money. Whatever any calculator tells you, add a gallon so you don't have to stop and make a run.