How to Choose the Right Wall Paint and Buy the Right Amount
Painting multiple rooms or even a single accent wall in your home can seem like a daunting project: you have to pick colors, tape, sand, primer, and, oh yeah, do some real paint.
“I think this is a great place to take a chance,” says Oliver M. Furth, an interior designer based in Los Angeles. “If you’re thinking about experimenting with color … it’s much easier to recolor a wall than recolor a sofa.”
How much paint do you need?
Paint requirements vary greatly depending on several factors, including the surface of the wall; type, shade and quality of paint; and how many layers you will apply. In all, one gallon of paint can cover an area of 225 to 400 square feet, says Sean Osisko, senior director of product innovation at Sherwin-Williams. Most cans will ship at an estimated rate per gallon.
You can calculate the square footage of your space and manually determine the amount of paint you need if you know the approximate coverage for your specific paint, or you can use an online paint calculator like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore . Some simple calculators give rough estimates and may not take into account the exact dimensions of windows and doorways, so keep that in mind when determining your paint needs.
Also, you’ll want to round rather than down if your calculations put you between gallons, and don’t forget to factor in the second or third layer. Two coats are suitable for most paints, although deeper colors may require more coats.
What paint to buy?
The choice of paint is not only about color. You will use different types of paints, for example, for interior projects than for exterior ones. You can purchase moisture resistant bathroom paints that are more durable for homes with children and pets, or for window shutters and window frames.
High gloss paints are easier to wash off but show wall imperfections, while low gloss paints are good for hiding but more difficult to keep clean, according to Mike Mundwiller, Field Integration Manager at Benjamin Moore.
He adds that better paint retains its color and is easier to apply – which can mean less work and lower costs in the long run.
Typically, a high quality paint has a higher ratio of solids (pigments that give color and opacity and binders that hold pigments in place) to liquids (water or oil that carry solids). Latex paints with full acrylic binders are the best to withstand wear and tear.
Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Behr, Glidden, and Valspar are some of the more common brands you’ll find in your local home appliance and paint stores, and are highly rated by Consumer Reports .
Furth advises clients to invest in the highest quality paint they can afford.
“Higher quality paints will contain more pigments and therefore have a more complex and complex color,” he says. “It’s often hard to tell from the postage, but when you paint an entire room and the color reacts to light, your eyes really do see the difference.”
Depending on the texture and current color of your walls, you may have to prepare ahead of time before you can paint. If you are covering a deep or dark color with a bright shade, or painting a light color over a deep shade, a primer can better prepare the surface for topcoating and reduce the number of coats required. If you are painting a light color on top of an existing light color, you may not need a primer.
Bottom line: don’t guess – ask.
How to store leftovers
If you have any excess paint, you can save it for revision or future projects. One common storage option is to cover the top of the can with plastic wrap and use a rubber mallet to close the lid, but Mundwiller recommends transferring leftovers to a smaller container to reduce the amount of empty space and reduce the chance of mold or spoilage. Store containers in a cool, dry place where they will not be exposed to sudden temperature changes – avoid the garage and attic.
“Always refer to the storage instructions on the label of the product you are using,” adds Mundwiller. In general, paint has no expiration date.
When you’re ready to discard leftovers, remove the lid and allow the paint to dry inside the jar or container. In some places, you may throw cans in the trash can or trash can, but before doing so, you should check your local waste disposal regulations. Other options include recycling or transferring unused paint to a local non-profit organization. Never empty excess paint down the drain.