Determining the exact amount of paint needed to cover the exterior of your house can be challenging. Running out of paint mid-project can disrupt progress, leading to uneven finishes due to different drying times and lengthy delays waiting for suitable weather after restocking. If you are wondering, “How much exterior paint do I need?” Keep reading to estimate exterior paint requirements for your Atkinson home accurately.
How Much Exterior Paint Do I Need For My House?
The amount of paint you’ll need depends on three key factors:
- The size of your property
- The paint’s coverage rate
- The number of coats required
Addressing these factors allows you to confidently calculate the exact amount of paint needed for a seamless and efficient painting process.
Estimating the Size of Your Property
- The first step in determining how much paint you’ll need is calculating the size of your home’s exterior. This process involves measuring the area in square feet. To estimate the exterior paint coverage, you’ll need to measure the length of the walls the height of the house, and exclude the size of doors and windows, which won’t be painted. For example, a standard 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house (single-story) typically covers 1,500 to 2,000 sq. ft. of exterior surface area. A 2-story home might be closer to 2,000-2,500 sq. ft.
Start by measuring the perimeter of your home. If you’re working on a detached house, measure the length of all four walls. For example, if each wall is 20 feet long, the total perimeter of the house is 80 feet. Then, measure the height, which for most two-story homes averages about 16-20 feet. Now, multiply the perimeter by the height of the house to get the total exterior surface area. If your house has a 20-foot perimeter and a height of 20 feet, the total surface area to be painted would be approximately 400 sq.ft.
Determining the Number of Coats Required
- The number of coats needed for your exterior paint job can vary depending on the type of masonry paint used. Although some users report achieving good coverage with a single coat, applying two coats is essential for optimal results. This ensures a sufficient film is built to provide the paint’s waterproof, self-cleaning, and strong adhesion properties.
Skimping on the second coat may compromise its performance, leaving the surface less protected and durable. Taking the time to apply the recommended two coats will help ensure a long-lasting, high-quality finish for your property’s exterior.
Calculating the Total Amount of Paint for Your Atkinson Home
- Once you know the total square footage to be painted, the coverage of your chosen paint, and the recommended number of coats, it’s time to calculate. Let’s say you’re painting a 2,000 sq. ft. two-story home. If you’re using a paint with 350 sq. ft. per gallon coverage (for smooth, flat surfaces), you can calculate how much paint is required for the first coat. For a 2,000 sq. ft. exterior, you would need about 6 gallons of paint for one coat. For two coats, you’ll need 12 gallons.
However, if your home has windows, doors, or other areas that won’t be painted, adjust the total by subtracting the areas you measured earlier. If your home has windows and doors totaling about 100 sq. ft., that leaves you with 1,900 sq. ft. to be painted. With 12 gallons of paint, you will complete the job with two coats. If you’re unsure how much paint your Atkinson home will require, consult with our experts, who are always ready to guide you.
Give your home the professional treatment it deserves with our exterior painting services. Experience Neat, Efficient, and Professional service with Miles Makarowski Painting! Call us today at (603) 489-8802 for a complimentary estimate. We are located in Atkinson, NH.