Wall Paint Coverage in Square Feet Calculator

Preparation Tips

• Clean walls thoroughly before painting to remove dirt, dust, and grease
• Fill holes and cracks with spackling compound and sand smooth
• Use painter’s tape to protect trim, windows, and door frames
• Cover furniture and floors with drop cloths
• Prime walls if you’re changing colors drastically or painting over dark colors

Painting Techniques

• Start with the ceiling, then walls, and finally trim
• Use a brush for cutting in around edges and a roller for larger areas
• Paint in a “W” pattern with a roller for even coverage
• Allow proper drying time between coats (check paint can for specifics)
• Work from top to bottom to catch drips

Tools You’ll Need

• Paint and primer (if needed)
• Paint trays and liners
• Paint brushes (angled for cutting in, various sizes for trim)
• Paint rollers and covers (3/8″ nap for smooth walls, thicker for textured)
• Extension pole for rollers
• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloths
• Sandpaper
• Spackling compound and putty knife
• Step ladder

Paint Finishes Explained

Paint Coverage Information

Paint coverage can vary based on several factors:

• Paint quality (higher quality paints typically cover better)
• Surface texture (textured walls require more paint)
• Surface porosity (new drywall absorbs more paint)
• Color change (going from dark to light may require more coats)
• Application method (spraying uses more paint than rolling)