Tru Colors Contracting

Calculating the Right Amount of Paint for Your Exterior Home Painting Project

Tru colors contracting exterior painting

Taking on an exterior home painting project is a big commitment, and proper planning is essential to achieve a flawless finish. One of the most important steps in the process is determining how much paint you’ll need. An accurate estimate prevents running out of paint mid-project and ensures you don’t overspend on unnecessary extra gallons.

At Tru Colors Contracting, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you calculate the right amount of paint for your home’s exterior. Follow these steps to streamline your project and achieve professional-quality results.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Home’s Exterior Surface Area

Before buying paint, take the time to measure the exterior surfaces that need to be painted. This will give you a clear understanding of the total square footage you’ll be covering.

How to Measure Exterior Walls:

  • Walk around your South Florida home and measure the height and width of each exterior wall.
  • Multiply the height by the width to get the square footage of each wall.
  • If your home has multiple stories, repeat the process for each level.
  • Add up the square footage of all the walls to get the total area to be painted.

Subtract Doors and Windows:

Since doors and windows won’t be painted with the main wall color, subtract their square footage from your total. Here’s a quick estimate for common sizes:

  • Standard door: 20 square feet
  • Single window: 15 square feet
  • Double window: 30 square feet

For example, if your total wall surface area is 2,500 square feet, and you have two doors (40 sq. ft.) and five windows (75 sq. ft.), your adjusted total would be:

2,500 – (40 + 75) = 2,385 square feet

Step 2: Consider Paint Coverage Rates

Paint coverage depends on factors like texture, color, and surface material. On average:

  • One gallon of paint covers 350-400 sq. ft. on smooth surfaces.
  • Rough or porous surfaces (like stucco or textured wood) require more paint, covering about 250-300 sq. ft. per gallon.
  • Darker colors often require additional coats compared to lighter colors.

Pro Tip: Check the paint manufacturer’s label for the recommended coverage rate, as different brands and formulations vary.

tru colors contracting exterior painting

Step 3: Account for Multiple Coats & Special Conditions

For a long-lasting and even finish, most exterior projects require at least two coats of paint.

When Extra Coats Are Needed:

Drastic color changes – If painting over a dark color with a lighter shade, expect to apply two to three coats.
Weathered or damaged surfaces – If your exterior walls have cracks, stains, or peeling paint, extra coats will ensure proper coverage.
Unpainted surfaces – Raw materials like bare wood, brick, or stucco absorb more paint, often requiring a primer coat plus two topcoats.

To adjust your total paint estimate:
Multiply your adjusted square footage by the number of coats needed.

For example:

  • 2,385 sq. ft. x 2 coats = 4,770 square feet to be painted

Step 4: Factor in Trim, Doors, and Other Accents

Exterior painting isn’t just about walls—you’ll also need paint for trim, shutters, doors, and other details. These elements require different amounts of paint depending on their size and material.

Quick Guide for Additional Surfaces:

Trim: 1 gallon covers approximately 200-300 sq. ft.
Doors: 1 quart per 2 standard doors
Shutters: 1 gallon for 15-20 shutters

Adding up these areas ensures you don’t run out of accent paint midway through the project.

Step 5: Calculate the Final Amount of Paint Needed

Now that you have all your measurements, use this formula to determine the number of gallons required:

(Total square footage to be painted) ÷ (Coverage rate per gallon) = Gallons needed

Example Calculation:

  • Total area to be painted (including two coats) = 4,770 sq. ft.
  • Coverage rate per gallon = 350 sq. ft. per gallon

4,770 ÷ 350 = 13.6 gallons

Since paint is typically sold by the gallon, round up to 14 gallons to ensure full coverage.

Pro Tip: Always buy an extra gallon for touch-ups later!

Save Time & Get Professional Results with Tru Colors Contracting

Estimating paint amounts can be tricky, and mistakes can lead to wasted time and money. If you want a flawless finish with long-lasting durability, hiring a professional is the best investment.

At Tru Colors Contracting, we specialize in high-quality exterior home painting throughout South Florida. With decades of experience, we ensure a smooth, even finish that withstands Florida’s heat, humidity, and storms.

Expert color consultation
Proper surface preparation for durability
High-quality, weather-resistant paints
Efficient, mess-free application

📞 Call us today at 954-973-5600 for a FREE estimate or click here and let’s bring your home’s exterior to life!