Need an idea how many gallons of exterior house project paint you’ll be applying? It’s a common dilemma—you don’t want to run short in the middle of the project, yet purchasing too much is money wasted. There is some calculation involved, but it’s not as daunting as it might seem. This step-by-step guide simplifies it, providing you with a clear-cut procedure to calculate the exact amount of house exterior paint you’ll need. Hire us to be your exterior house painter in New Hope, PA.
Calculating Paint for Your Home’s Exterior
To determine paint for the outside of your house, you start with accurate measurements. Begin by measuring the perimeter of your house. Multiply the perimeter by the height of your house, excluding gables. A steel tape measure is ideal to use, but you can also use twine and then measure the twine. One overall rule of thumb is that a gallon covers 300 to 400 square feet. But other siding materials dramatically affect paint coverage. Here’s what to do when deciding on the amount to use.
Types of Siding and Paint Coverage
- Wood Siding: An old, tried-and-true material that takes a lot of paint. When the wood siding is weathered or old, factor in added absorption.
- Vinyl Siding: Usually uses less paint because it is non-porous.
- Brick: Unpainted brick is extremely porous and usually requires a primer and additional coats.
- Stucco: This sponge-like finish absorbs paint. Include at least 20% in your estimate for the initial coat and account for additional coats.
- Aluminum/Metal Siding: Usually requires less paint than other surfaces.
Impact of Application Method
Spraying can speed the painting process along but will utilize the equivalent of two coats simultaneously. This can double your use of paint, especially on absorbent surfaces. Cheaper paints are occasionally a bargain but may contain less resin. Resin is what holds and colors the paint. Increased resin in higher-quality paints has a tendency to cover better, which could be cost-saving in the long term.
Estimating Trim, Gutters, and Other Details
Paint estimation for the exterior of a house is not simply a matter of the exterior walls. There is trim, doors, and gutters to consider and add into your calculation.
The Rule of Thumb for Trim
It’s a rough estimate that advises allocating one gallon of trim paint per six gallons spent on walls. Take the measurements of window sills, door frames, and other details for a better approximation.
Doors Need Coverage Too
For typical doors, utilize approximately 21 square feet per door, including edges and sides.
Including Gutters
For gutters, linear foot approximately equals one square foot of surface area. So, 50 feet of gutter would imply that 50 square feet would have to be covered.
Windows Can Make Things Tough
Deduct the space occupied by doors and windows from your overall wall square footage to avoid overbuying paint. Subtract about 15 square feet for each average-sized window.
Considering Color Changes & Coats Needed
A major color change will necessitate more paint. Creating a visible change from your current outside color generally means extra preparation, like extra coats.
Going from Dark to Light (or vice versa)
Moving from dark to light may take two or even three coats for full coverage.
Minimizing Costs and Matching Colors
Working with your existing colors frequently results in requiring fewer coats, which saves on supply expenses considerably.
Primer: Use or Not?
For extreme color change, primer allows for a smoother transition to a new color. If the existing paint on the surface is sound, you might be able to avoid primer in some areas, but exposed wood always requires a coat.
Several Coats and Deciding the Choice
Two coats typically yield the best outcome. The first coat addresses absorption, and the second coat provides better coverage. 50% additional paint in allowance is typically factored in for the second coat when budgeting.
Advantages of Having a Professional Paint Exterior
Painting the outside of a home can be a time-consuming and skill-intensive project. If it seems too daunting, it might be best to hire a qualified professional. Professional painters are skilled at identifying areas of concern, creating durability, and providing a high-quality finish.
Careful planning is essential for determining the right amount of paint needed for exterior painting projects. We can assist in any painter job in New Hope, PA and nearby. Factor in square footage, siding type, application method, existing and desired colors, and the need for primer. By accounting for these details, you’ll avoid purchasing excess paint and achieve long-lasting results. Contact us today.
