Paint Coverage Rates by Surface Type
Master accurate paint calculations with professional coverage rates for every surface. Never over-order or run short again. Part of our comprehensive paint calculator guide.
How Many Sq Ft Does a Gallon Cover?
A gallon of paint typically covers 350-400 sq ft on smooth surfaces with one coat. Coverage varies by surface: Smooth drywall (350-400 sq ft), textured walls (250-350 sq ft), brick/masonry (150-200 sq ft), wood siding (300-350 sq ft), and stucco (200-250 sq ft). Premium paints generally provide 10-15% better coverage than standard paints.
Paint Coverage Rates by Surface
| Surface Type | 1st Coat (sq ft/gal) | 2nd Coat (sq ft/gal) | Primer (sq ft/gal) | Loss Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth Drywall (New) | 400-450 | 450-500 | 350-400 | 5-10% |
| Smooth Drywall (Previously Painted) | 350-400 | 400-450 | N/A | 5-10% |
| Light Texture (Orange Peel) | 300-350 | 350-400 | 300-350 | 10-15% |
| Medium Texture (Knockdown) | 250-300 | 300-350 | 250-300 | 15-20% |
| Heavy Texture (Popcorn) | 200-250 | 250-300 | 200-250 | 20-30% |
| Brick/Concrete Block | 150-200 | 200-250 | 150-200 | 25-35% |
| Wood Siding (Smooth) | 300-350 | 350-400 | 250-300 | 10-15% |
| Wood Siding (Rough) | 250-300 | 300-350 | 200-250 | 15-20% |
| Stucco | 200-250 | 250-300 | 175-225 | 20-25% |
| Metal Surfaces | 400-450 | 450-500 | 350-400 | 5-10% |
Pro Tip: Always order 10-15% extra paint beyond calculated needs. This accounts for touch-ups, future repairs, and ensures color matching from the same batch.
Paint Quality Impact on Coverage
Economy Paint
300-350
sq ft/gallon
- • Lower solids content (25-35%)
- • More coats needed
- • Higher overall cost
- • Shorter lifespan
Premium Paint
400-450
sq ft/gallon
- • High solids content (35-45%)
- • Better hide in 1 coat
- • Lower total cost
- • 10+ year durability
Specialty Paint
Varies
by type
- • Elastomeric: 50-100 sq ft/gal
- • Anti-mold: 350-400 sq ft/gal
- • Textured: 150-200 sq ft/gal
- • Epoxy: 300-400 sq ft/gal
Professional Coverage Calculation
Example: 2,000 sq ft Room
// Smooth walls, 2 coats
Area: 2,000 sq ft
Coverage: 400 sq ft/gal
Coats: 2
Loss: 10%
// Calculation
(2,000 ÷ 400) × 2 × 1.1
= 11 gallons needed
Adjustment Factors
- Color change: Add 10-20%
Dark to light needs more
- Porosity: Add 15-25%
New drywall, bare wood
- Application method:
Spray: -10%, Brush: +10%
Special Surface Considerations
Interior Surfaces
Ceilings
- • Flat paint: 400-450 sq ft/gal
- • Usually needs only 1 coat
- • Add 20% for popcorn texture
Trim & Doors
- • Coverage: 350-400 sq ft/gal
- • Multiple thin coats best
- • Factor in both sides of doors
Exterior Surfaces
Weather Impact
- • Wind overspray: +10-15%
- • Hot surfaces: +5-10%
- • High humidity: Better coverage
Surface Prep
- • Pressure washed: -5% coverage
- • Chalky surface: +20-30%
- • Primed properly: Standard rates
Pro Tips for Accurate Estimates
Best Practices
- ✓Measure actual surface area, not floor space
- ✓Test coverage on small area first
- ✓Document coverage rates by job type
- ✓Consider primer coverage separately
- ✓Account for windows/doors properly
Common Mistakes
- ✗Using manufacturer's max coverage
- ✗Ignoring surface texture
- ✗Forgetting touch-up paint
- ✗Same rate for all colors
- ✗Not tracking actual usage