Painting

Painting is one of the most common DIY projects, and most of the cost is in the prep work and the paint itself. These guides and calculators help you estimate materials and avoid the two most common mistakes: buying too little paint and skipping surface preparation.

Painting calculators

Paint CalculatorEstimate the wall and ceiling area and how many gallons of paint your room needs.Open calculator →

Painting guides

How Much Paint Do I Need?A step-by-step way to estimate paint for a room, including how doors and windows change the wall area and why coverage matters.Read guide →How Many Coats of Paint Do You Need?One coat or two? The answer depends on the previous color, the surface, and the paint. Here is how to decide before you buy.Read guide →How Long Does Paint Take to Dry?Dry, recoat, and cure are three different things. Knowing the difference prevents smudged finishes and peeled paint.Read guide →Can You Paint Over Old Paint?Usually yes, but the condition of the old paint decides whether you can go straight over it or need prep first.Read guide →

What to know before you buy

Prep work drives the result

Clean, dry, and properly primed surfaces matter more than the brand of paint. Peeling paint, glossy finishes, and patched drywall usually need primer before the topcoat.

Coverage is an estimate

Manufacturers list a coverage range per gallon, often around 350 to 400 square feet per coat. Porous or textured surfaces absorb more paint, so plan for the lower end of the range.

Buy from the same batch

When you need several gallons of the same color, mix them together or confirm they share a batch code so the color matches after it dries.