How Much Area 5 Gallons of Paint Covers

Taking on an interior painting project can be an exciting endeavor to refresh your home's look. But before investing in supplies, it's important to calculate how much paint you'll need to complete the job.

One of the most common questions when estimating paint quantities is: how much area will 5 gallons of paint cover? While this depends on several factors, you can determine a reasonably accurate estimate through careful measurement and understanding key elements that impact coverage.

Defining Paint Volume Measurements

When learning about paint coverage, it helps to start with some key definitions:

• A gallon of paint contains 128 fluid ounces.
• Quarts and gallons are standard paint sizes, with 1 quart equaling 32 ounces.
• 5 gallons then contains 640 ounces of paint.

Knowing the fluid volume in different paint quantities allows you to easily compare brands and types when purchasing for your project.

Average Coverage Range Per Gallon

On average, one gallon of quality interior latex or acrylic paint covers about 350-400 square feet of wall space. However, depending on the paint specifications and surface type, coverage could range from 300-450 square feet per gallon.

Here are some factors that influence the coverage or yield per gallon:

• Paint Type: Latex paints provide better coverage than oil-based. Within latex, matte or flat finishes cover more than satin or gloss.
• Surface Material: Smooth drywall requires less paint than porous cinder block or plaster.
• Surface Texture: Heavy textured or popcorn ceilings need more paint to coat than smooth surfaces.
• Quality: Premium or brand-name paints usually provide higher coverage per gallon.

Reference the manufacturer's label on the paint can or spec sheet for estimated coverage. This provides helpful guidance tailored to that specific paint's formulation.

Measuring Room Dimensions

To determine how much square footage 5 gallons will cover, start by carefully measuring each room you plan to paint:

1. Using a steel tape measure, record the length and width of each wall in feet.
2. Multiply the length by the width to calculate the square footage of each wall.
3. Add together the square footage of all walls to find the total wall space.
4. Measure and include the ceiling square footage as well.

For example, a 10 ft by 12 ft bedroom with one 8 ft tall wall would be:

Wall 1 = 10 ft long x 8 ft high = 80 sq ft

Wall 2 = 12 ft long x 8 ft high = 96 sq ft

Wall 3 = 10 ft long x 8 ft high = 80 sq ft

Wall 4 = 12 ft long x 8 ft high = 96 sq ft

Ceiling = 10 ft long x 12 ft wide = 120 sq ft

Total = 80 + 96 + 80 + 96 + 120 = 472 sq ft

Accounting for Doors, Windows, and Trim

When calculating wall square footage:

• Exclude the area of doors and windows.
• Include the square footage of trim pieces in your measurements.

Unless doors and windows take up significant wall space, you'll paint around them and need enough paint to cover those edges. Here's an example:

12 ft x 8 ft wall = 96 sq ft

3 ft x 8 ft window to exclude = 24 sq ft

Net wall sq ft = 96 sq ft total - 24 sq ft window = 72 sq ft

For trim, measure the height and width of each piece, and add up the linear dimensions to determine how much paint is needed.

Coverage Rate Per Gallon

Using the total square footage amount from your measurements, you can calculate the wall area 5 gallons will cover based on the paint's coverage rate.

If the manufacturer's specs estimate 350 sq ft per gallon , then for our example room:

Total wall space = 472 sq ft

Paint covers 350 sq ft per gallon

472 sq ft / 350 sq ft per gallon = 1.35 gallons needed

So for a 472 square foot space, 5 gallons would provide ample coverage with paint left over. However, additional factors can increase the quantity needed.

Considering Other Painting Factors

When estimating how much paint you need, consider these other aspects of your project:

• Darker paint colors often require an extra coat.
• High-traffic areas like hallways may need 2-3 coats.
• New drywall or plaster requires a sealing primer coat.
• Ceilings, trim, and accent walls need 1-2 gallons.
• Porosity of surface impacts absorption and coverage.

It's smart to buy an extra gallon in case your measurements were off or you decide to repaint coats. Leftover paint can be stored properly for touch-ups or future rooms.

Calculating Trim, Molding, and Accent Wall Paint

Figuring out paint quantities for trim and accent walls follows a different process:

• Add up the total linear dimensions of all trim pieces.
• 1-2 gallons is standard for window/door trim coverage.
• Accent walls use less paint than full rooms.
• 1 gallon covers a 12 ft x 12 ft accent wall area.

Since less paint is needed for these surfaces, quarts are often sufficient instead of full gallons.

Tips for Proper Planning and Purchasing

Carefully planning your interior painting project ensures you buy the right amount of paint. Keep these tips in mind:

• Measure room dimensions and exclude windows/doors.
• Read manufacturer specs for estimated coverage per gallon.
• Calculate square feet of trim lengths and accent walls.
• Account for extra coats on ceilings, trim, and dark colors.
• Purchase an extra gallon as a buffer.

Preparation, measurement, and understanding paint coverages is key. Buying too little paint can lead to mismatched colors as you buy more mid-project. Purchasing too much is wasteful.

Proper Storage for Leftover Paint

For oil-based paints:

• Seal the lid tightly to prevent leaking and air exposure.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight.
• Oils can last up to 15 years if sealed and stored properly.

For latex paints:

• Cover surface with plastic wrap before sealing lid.
• Store cans upside down to keep paint near lid.
• Refrigerate if storing over 2 years.
• Lasts up to 10 years if stored correctly.

Maintaining proper storage conditions maximizes shelf life. Tightly cover lids and keep in climate controlled environments.