How Much Exterior Paint Do You Need?
Calculate gallons of exterior paint for your house by siding type, square footage, and number of coats.
Calculating Exterior Paint Coverage
Exterior paint coverage varies significantly by siding type. Smooth surfaces (vinyl, aluminum) get 350 sq ft per gallon. Wood clapboard absorbs more, yielding about 300 sq ft/gallon. Stucco and textured surfaces are the most paint-hungry at 200-250 sq ft/gallon due to the rough surface area. Always buy 10-15% extra for touch-ups, trim work, and uneven coverage.
Prep Work Determines Quality
Exterior painting is 70% prep, 30% painting. Power-wash the entire surface first and let it dry for 48 hours. Scrape any peeling paint, sand rough spots, and caulk gaps around windows and trim. Prime bare wood and any stain areas. Skipping prep guarantees peeling within 1-2 years regardless of paint quality.
Best Time to Paint Exterior
Paint between 50-85°F with low humidity. Avoid direct sun (it dries the paint too fast, causing brush marks). Spring and fall mornings are ideal. Start on the shady side of the house and follow the shade around. Most exterior paints need 4-6 hours of drying time before evening dew.
The north side of a house typically needs repainting sooner due to more moisture retention and less UV exposure (which paradoxically helps cure and harden paint). Plan to touch up the north side 1-2 years before doing a full repaint.
