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Paint Coverage Chart by Surface Type
A gallon 'covers 400 square feet' on the can, but that figure assumes one coat on a smooth, previously painted, non-porous wall. Texture, porosity, and color change all reduce real coverage. Use the surface-adjusted numbers below rather than the can's headline figure when estimating gallons for a job.
| Surface | Typical coverage per gallon (1 coat) | Coats usually needed |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth drywall, primed | 350–400 sq ft | 2 |
| New/unprimed drywall | 200–250 sq ft | 1 primer + 2 finish |
| Textured (orange peel/knockdown) | 250–300 sq ft | 2 |
| Popcorn ceiling | 150–200 sq ft | 1–2 |
| Brick or stucco (exterior) | 100–150 sq ft | 2 |
| Smooth wood trim/doors | 400–450 sq ft | 2 |
| Cabinets (with primer and light sanding) | 150–200 sq ft (cut in heavy) | 1 primer + 2 finish |
| Concrete floor (sealed with floor paint) | 200–300 sq ft | 2 |
| Deep or dramatic color change (e.g., white to navy) | 300–350 sq ft | 2–3 |
Notes
- Always subtract door and window area from wall square footage before dividing by coverage-per-gallon — skipping this is the most common cause of buying too much paint.
- Primer and finish coat coverage rates are not interchangeable; primer is thinner and typically covers slightly more area per gallon.
- Sheen affects perceived coverage more than paint chemistry: flat hides texture and imperfections better than semi-gloss with the same number of coats.
Put this into practice
- Paint CalculatorHow much paint do I need for this room?
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