How Many Gallons to Paint Exterior of House: A Homeowner’s Guide

Painting the exterior of your house can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to determining how much paint you’ll need. In this article, we’ll break down the process of calculating the right amount of paint for your exterior painting project, so you can get the job done without wasting money or resources.

Understanding Exterior Paint Consumption

Before we dive into the math, it’s essential to understand how exterior paint is consumed. The amount of paint needed depends on several factors, including:

Surface area to be painted (in square feet)
Number of coats required (usually 2-3)
Type of paint used (latex, oil-based, etc.)
Color and finish (dark colors and high-gloss finishes require more paint)
Surface texture and porosity (rough surfaces absorb more paint)

Calculating the Surface Area

To calculate the surface area of your house, you’ll need to measure the length, width, and height of each side, including windows, doors, and any trim or fascia. Use the following formula:

Length x Width = Square Feet (per side)
Add up the square feet for all sides, plus any additional surfaces (fascia, soffits, etc.)

For example, let’s say your house has the following dimensions:

Front side: 30′ x 20′ = 600 sq ft
Back side: 30′ x 20′ = 600 sq ft
Left side: 40′ x 20′ = 800 sq ft
Right side: 40′ x 20′ = 800 sq ft
Fascia and soffits: 200 sq ft (approximate)

Total surface area: 3,000 sq ft

How Many Gallons to Paint Exterior of House: Formula

Now that you have the surface area, you can use the following formula to estimate the amount of paint needed:

Paint coverage rate (in square feet per gallon)
Number of coats required
Surface area to be painted

Typical paint coverage rates are:

Flat (matte) finish: 350-400 sq ft/gal
Eggshell finish: 300-350 sq ft/gal
Satin finish: 250-300 sq ft/gal
Semi-gloss finish: 200-250 sq ft/gal

Assuming a medium coverage rate of 325 sq ft/gal and two coats, the calculation would be:

3,000 sq ft x 2 coats = 6,000 sq ft
6,000 sq ft / 325 sq ft/gal = 18.5 gallons

Additional Factors to Consider

While the formula provides a good estimate, there are other factors to consider when determining how many gallons to paint exterior of house:

Surface texture and porosity: Rough surfaces absorb more paint, while smooth surfaces require less.
Trim and fascia: These areas typically require more paint due to their smaller surface area and complex shapes.
Color and finish: Dark colors and high-gloss finishes require more paint to achieve the desired finish.
Number of coats: Most exterior painting projects require two coats, but some may require three or more.

How Many Gallons to Paint Exterior of House: Example Scenarios

To illustrate the calculation process, let’s consider a few example scenarios:

Example 1: Simple Ranch-Style House

Surface area: 2,500 sq ft
Paint coverage rate: 350 sq ft/gal
Number of coats: 2

Calculation: 2,500 sq ft x 2 coats = 5,000 sq ft
5,000 sq ft / 350 sq ft/gal = 14.3 gallons

Example 2: Two-Story Colonial-Style House

Surface area: 4,000 sq ft
Paint coverage rate: 300 sq ft/gal
Number of coats: 3

Calculation: 4,000 sq ft x 3 coats = 12,000 sq ft
12,000 sq ft / 300 sq ft/gal = 40 gallons

Example 3: Complex Victorian-Style House

Surface area: 6,000 sq ft
Paint coverage rate: 250 sq ft/gal
Number of coats: 2

Calculation: 6,000 sq ft x 2 coats = 12,000 sq ft
12,000 sq ft / 250 sq ft/gal = 48 gallons

Closing: How Many Gallons to Paint Exterior of House?

Determining how many gallons to paint exterior of house requires careful consideration of several factors, including surface area, paint coverage rate, number of coats, and additional factors like surface texture and color. By following the formulas and guidelines outlined in this article, you’ll be able to estimate the right amount of paint for your exterior painting project, saving you time, money, and stress.