Coats of paint
Coverage (sq ft/gallon)
Result (click to copy)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paint do I need per room?
A standard bedroom (12×10×8ft) needs about 1.5 gallons for 2 coats. Calculate: 2×(L+W)×H = wall area, then subtract doors (21 sq ft each) and windows (15 sq ft each). Divide by coverage (usually 350-400 sq ft/gallon).
How many coats of paint do I need?
Most paint jobs require 2 coats for full coverage. Going from a dark colour to a light colour may need 3 coats. Premium paints sometimes cover in 1 coat. Always apply a primer when painting bare walls or drastic colour changes.
What is paint coverage?
Paint coverage (or spread rate) is how much area one gallon covers. Most latex paints cover 350-400 sq ft per gallon. Cheaper paints may cover less. The coverage is usually printed on the paint can label.