How much paint will I need for my project?

Estimating the right amount of paint is key to keeping your project efficient, cost-effective, and stress-free. With a simple calculation and a few professional guidelines, you can confidently determine how much paint you’ll need.

As a standard practice, always plan for two coats of paint. This ensures proper coverage, consistent colour, and a smooth, professional finish. In some cases - such as painting over dark colours or using bold, vibrant shades- a third coat may be required for full coverage.

Start by using your total wall surface area (in square feet), which you’ve calculated earlier. Once you have that number, you can estimate paint quantities based on typical coverage rates.

Approximate Paint Coverage (per coat):

• 1 Quart (≈ 946 mL): covers about 100 sq ft
• 1 Gallon (≈ 3.78 L): covers about 350–400 sq ft
• 5-Gallon Pail (≈ 18.9 L): covers about 1,750–2,000 sq ft

Keep in mind that coverage can vary depending on surface texture, porosity, and the specific product you’re using. Premium paints like Benjamin Moore Regal Select and AURA are designed for excellent hide and coverage, often reducing the need for extra coats.

How to Calculate:

• Divide your total square footage by the coverage per gallon
• Multiply that number by 2 (for two coats)

Example:
If your walls total 800 sq ft:

• 800 ÷ 400 = 2 gallons for one coat
• 2 gallons × 2 coats = 4 gallons total

For best results, consider using a quality primer such as Benjamin Moore Fresh Start when needed. Priming can improve coverage, especially when making significant colour changes, and may reduce the number of finish coats required.

Summary: Calculate your total square footage, divide by coverage per gallon, and multiply by two coats. Most projects require two coats for a consistent finish, with a possible third coat for bold or dark colours.