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How is paint measured?

Published in Painting 2 mins read

Paint is primarily measured by volume, typically in gallons, quarts, pints, and liters. The coverage area that the volume of paint will cover is also an important measurement.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Volume: This refers to the amount of liquid paint in a container. Common units of volume include:

    • Gallons (the most common for larger projects)
    • Quarts (1/4 of a gallon)
    • Pints (1/8 of a gallon)
    • Liters (commonly used outside the US)
  • Coverage: This refers to the area a given volume of paint will cover. Coverage is usually expressed in square feet per gallon (sq ft/gallon).

    • Factors Affecting Coverage:
      • Surface Texture: Rough surfaces require more paint than smooth surfaces.
      • Paint Quality: Higher-quality paints often have better coverage.
      • Application Method: Spraying, rolling, or brushing can affect coverage.
      • Surface Porosity: Porous surfaces (like unprimed drywall) absorb more paint.
      • Color: Some colors may require more coats than others.
  • Calculating Paint Needs: To determine how much paint you need, calculate the total surface area you need to cover (length x width of walls) then divide that figure by the approximate coverage for your chosen paint (often found on the label). The video indicates a general rule is one gallon of paint typically covers between 300 and 400 square feet.

Example:

Suppose you have a wall that is 10 feet long and 8 feet high. The area of the wall is 10 ft x 8 ft = 80 sq ft. If your paint covers 350 sq ft per gallon, then one gallon will cover that wall about 4 times (350 sq ft/gallon / 80 sq ft/wall = 4.375 walls).

In summary, while paint is bought and sold by volume, the practical measurement for a DIYer is the coverage per gallon, allowing you to calculate how much paint to purchase for your specific project's square footage.