Get Flawless Coverage from 5 Gallons of Paint - Here's How
When it comes to interior painting projects, few things are more frustrating than realizing you don't have enough paint to finish the job. There's a fine line between having too little paint, resulting in mismatched walls or extra trips to the store, and buying way more than you need, wasting money in the process.
That's why learning how to accurately estimate paint needs for 5 gallon jobs is so useful. Get it right, and you'll have plenty of paint to flawlessly cover every last wall and ceiling surface without any panic. When in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of an extra gallon or two to be safe.
How Much Area 5 Gallons of Paint Should Cover
As a general rule of thumb, one gallon of quality interior latex paint covers about 400 square feet of wall space with a smooth finish. That means a 5 gallon bucket should easily cover a 2,000 square foot interior when you apply two full coats. For textured walls, you'll want to add an extra 10-20% more paint to ensure you don't come up short.
Factors That Impact Coverage Per Gallon
However, that 400 square feet per gallon number can fluctuate quite a bit depending on several factors:
- Type of paint (flat, eggshell, etc)
- Paint quality and brand
- Wall texture and porosity
- Application method (rolling vs. spraying)
- Number of paint coats applied
It's always smart to verify expected coverage rates on the actual paint can or brand website before buying. This gives you a more customized estimate.
When To Buy Extra Paint
Since coverage estimates are always a bit of an approximation before starting the work, we recommend purchasing an extra 10-20% paint over your calculates needs as a buffer. It avoids the headache of coming just short of finish the job and having to repurchase another gallon mid-project.
The little bit of extra paint also comes in handy for future touch-ups, smaller DIY projects, or repainting down the road after normal wear and tear. Properly stored latex paint lasts 2-5 years before expiring.
Measuring Square Footage for 5 Gallon Jobs
The starting point for estimating any interior paint job is accurately calculating the total wall space square footage. While it may sound straightforward, this step trips up many DIYers, so don't shortchange it.
Tools and Tips for Precise Measurements
Here are some best practices for getting precise measurements:
- Use a quality measuring tape - avoid loose, stretching ones
- For room perimeter, measure each wall length x height
- Factor in doors, windows, and ceiling square footage
- Account for odd angles, corners, and irregular spaces
Err on rounding up square footage numbers, and have an extra set of eyes double check your math. Once you have accurate area measurements, paint estimation becomes much easier.
Coverage Rates By Paint and Surface Type
While Consumer Reports says 1 gallon usually covers 400 sq ft, that's only a baseline for smooth drywall with latex paint. Coverages fluctuate quite a bit depending on the specifics of your paint and surfaces:
Interior vs. Exterior Paint
Exterior paints formulated to withstand weather and UV rays provide less coverage per gallon compared to interior paints. While 1 gallon of interior latex covers 400 sq ft on average, exterior often only reaches 250-300 sq ft per gallon.
Adjusting for Textures and Porous Surfaces
Heavily textured walls with thicker layers of plaster or knockdown textures require additional paint to fully saturate the deeper grooves. The same goes for older porous plasters that absorb more paint. Add 20% more for heavier textures.
Estimating Your Coats of Paint
While some DIYers attempt to get by with one coat, Consumer Reports experts strongly recommend applying two full coats of paint for best coverage and durability. Don't skimp here.
When Walls Need Extra Primer/Paint
Certain problematic walls also require special treatment with additions layers of specialty primer or paint to ensure professional looking results:
- Dark colors often need tinted primer and extra paint coats
- Fresh drywall should be primed to create a proper foundation
- Nicotine stained walls require strong oil-based sealers
Calculating Total Paint Needs
Armed with accurate square footage measurements and an understanding of your distinct surfaces, estimating total paint needs is straightforward. Here's the process:
- Measure all wall space including ceilings and trim
- Add 20% more for textured or exterior surfaces
- Multiply total square footage by 2 (two coats)
- Divide by expected coverage sq ft per gallon
- Add 10-20% as a buffer
Using this formula as you choose paint gives you an accurate 5 gallon estimate for flawless pro results on any paint job.
Choosing Paint Application Tools
While all quality paint brushes and rollers do the job, other tools speed up application, cut down on mess, and create more seamless uniform finishes.
Recommendations
- Angled sash brushes for faster, cleaner cutting in edges
- Wide roller covers for faster coverage of open wall expanses
- Paint spraying rigs for exterior house painting
- Paint pails with built in rollers to dip efficiently
Spending a few extra dollars on these specialized painting accessories can save hours of time and frustration achieving pro-quality results.
Executing Your 5 Gallon Paint Job
With the right amount of quality paint and tools selected, flawlessly executing the painting process is next. Here are pro tips for ensuring 5 gallons provides sufficient coverage from start to finish:
Prepping Walls
Taking time to properly prep walls creates the foundation for paint to adhere in an even coat. Fill any holes, smooth textures, remove old paint, degrease, and spot prime where necessary. Quality prep prevents the need for extra paint touch ups later to cover flaws.
Cut In All Edges First
Use an angled sash brush to firstly "cut in" paint along all edges, corners, and trim. Combining precision brush control with a quality brush leaves crisp, defined painted edges.
Roll Broad Surfaces Next
Next, use larger roller covers to quickly apply primer and paint coats to broad open wall expanses without any brush marks. Finish by smoothing out edges.
By keeping these core techniques in mind from the planning stages through final execution, achieving stunning paint jobs with 5 gallons becomes much more manageable - preventing any last minute paint emergencies in the process!
Performing Touch Ups and Future Maintenance
While the bulk of the heavy lifting is done once the initial painting is complete, don't overlook important last mile touch ups and ongoing maintenance for your surfaces.
Final Touch Ups
Inspect each wall carefully after drying for any missing spots, drips, or inconsistencies. Fix them now with leftover paint while everything is fresh, to avoid future headaches.
Storing Extra Paint
Pour any remaining paint from trays/cans into consolidated airtight containers, sealing them tight. Store in a climate controlled environment for 2-5 years of future touch ups or repairs whenever needed.
While quality primer and paint lasts for years, periodic cleaning, spot painting, and minor refreshes preserves your surfaces in flawless condition.
By accurately estimating paint quantities from the start and properly maintaining your finishes over time, it's possible to get amazing coverage from 5 gallons - without the stress of insufficient paint holding you back.
For even more guidance navigating your next paint project, explore our other in-depth home painting tutorials and product recommendations.