How much paint do I need?

[Nick1994]

I’d think 10 gallons does the ceilings at 300 SF of coverage x2 coats.

is this new construction with a coat or two of builder flat already on the walls? If so, it’ll suck up way more paint than something with a sheen and multiple coats already on it. I never get 400 SF per gallon on my walls

1979 home, I’m scraping the popcorn off, repairing any imperfections, and then priming first.

 

[BHopkins]

I just finished painting a 12'x15' bedroom, plus 2 2.5'x5.5' closets with Emerald, and the ceiling with Eminence. (I understand Eminence has been replaced with Premium?) It took less than 2 gallons for the walls, and less than 1 gallon ceiling paint for the ceiling. All surfaces got 2 coats. It took less than half a gallon for the 6" baseboard and 2 door casings.

You may be pretty close with 20 gallons, depending on the ratio of how much of each of the 3 different sheens you need. But rather than guesstimating, I like to add up all the surfaces. Calculate the wall area of each room, hallway, etc. Divide total area by 300 if you are doing 1 coat, or by 150 if you are doing 2 coats. That will give you a very safe estimate on how many gallons you need for the walls. Do the same for the ceilings.

 

[Kira]

Priming will save you lots of paint.
It's a "best kept secret".

 

[KrisZ]

Priming will save you lots of paint.
It's a "best kept secret".

It depends what final coat color you're using, the original wall color and all texture. Sometimes you have to use two coats of color over primer anyways, especially on textured walls, so may as well skip primer as a third coat.

 

[Kira]

Oh sure, there are always extreme examples or exceptions to general guidelines.

I used to paint a lot. You always applied two coats of paint.
The interesting thing was that even a painted wall took new paint better when it was primed.

And don't tell me about texture. Burlap wallpaper was a fad during my time. Without priming, the cloth would suck up paint.

 

[Cropduster172]

I am personally unconvinced that SW and BM are worth the money over Behr, but that’s a separate discussion.

100% agree. Have had excellent results with Behr.

 

[CarbonToast]

I am personally unconvinced that SW and BM are worth the money over Behr, but that’s a separate discussion.

Same here, did our whole interior with Glidden Premium from Home Depot (the red label one) for $125 / 5 gallons. Its so much lower cost vs. SW.

Im sure Pros get a decent price on SW, but their retail prices are out of line. They always have a big sale going.