How much exterior paint do you really need?

To figure out how much exterior paint you really need, start by calculating your home’s paintable surface area: multiply the perimeter by the height and subtract about 10–15% for windows and doors. Keep in mind, you may have unpaintable surface area like brick, which won't count in your calculations.  Most exterior paints cover roughly 250–400 square feet per gallon per coat (so 400 square feet of coverage for one coat would cover 200 square feet with two coats).  Find out more about our exterior painting process here.

 Quality of paint also makes a difference. Builder-grade paint tends to be thinner and may only cover 250–300 square feet per gallon, sometimes requiring heavier application or even an extra coat. Mid-tier products like Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint typically cover around 300–350 square feet per gallon with solid durability, while premium options like Sherwin-Williams Duration often provide better hide, thicker coverage, and closer to 350–400 square feet per gallon. Although premium paint costs more upfront, its improved coverage and longer lifespan can mean buying fewer gallons over time and repainting less often. It provides a better protective layer against weather and moisture. Additionally, if you are switching colors (like a trim paint or an accent color) then you will need to calculate that as well, and round up to the nearest gallon for both paints. 

Don't guess on the paint coverage! Different substrates (what you are painting) absorb paint at different rates. Painting stucco, which is a common exterior material in central Texas, will require a different paint and will have a different coverage rate. The masonry absorbs a lot of paint so the paint covers less of the surface. Did you prime first? Are you covering dark paint with light paint? That will all have an impact on coverage as well. Best practice for DIYers on a budget is to buy less than you may need, and buy more if necessary. Just ensure that you are buying all of your paint from the same place, and from the same lot of base color to avoid color creep (your paint store representative can help make sure all of your paint is the EXACT same color).

If you need an expert opinion, give us a call or click the button above. Unlike many painters and painting companies, Rock Hill Painting takes actual precise measurements of your home. Less guesswork, less waste on the projects and we can keep your costs down while still delivering unbeatable quality in our work. (512) 578-9172 or click our links (literally all over this website).