While one is approaching any painting activity, be it of a house, office, or exterior wall, the deciding factor is calculating the quantity of paint to apply. Perhaps the best method of doing so is by using a paint calculator. To get the most accurate measurement, however, the correct dimensions need to be inputted into the calculator. Following are the guidelines to adhere to when entering your dimensions into a paint calculator in order to obtain accurate calculations and a successful painting project.
Measure the Area Properly
Accurate measurements are needed to input dimensions into a paint calculator square feet. Measure using the correct measuring tape or laser the areas to be painted. Measure the height and width of walls, the length and width of ceilings, and the height and length of each item for trim.
For a non-angled room or an angled room, make sure to break up the areas into sections. Measure each section separately and input the separate measurements into the calculator to get more accurate results.
Take into Account Windows and Doors
Windows and doors will take up a majority of wall space, and you certainly do not want to paint those. When measuring for walls, it’s essential to subtract the square footage of windows and doors from your total wall area.
A good rule of thumb is to measure the height and width of each window or door and then multiply these values to get the square footage. Once you have the total of these, deduct them from the overall wall area to ensure that you’re not calculating the paint needed for the bare surface that you don’t want to paint.
Most computer paint calculators have an input for window and door sizes, so be certain to use this function to get more accuracy.
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Measure in Standard Units
Doors and windows will occupy much of the space on walls, and you most definitely don’t want to be painting those. To measure for walls, it is important that you deduct windows’ and doors’ square footages from your total wall square footage.
For each window or door, simply measure the width and height, and then multiply them to produce the square footages. Once you know this total, subtract it from the entire wall space to avoid having to calculate how much paint will go on the uncovered surface you do not intend to paint.
Know the Paint Coverage
The second thing to remember when using a paint calculator is the coverage of the paint. Paint cans will typically have written on them how much square footage or square meters a gallon or liter of paint will cover. The rate will vary depending on what kind of paint, what surface, and how many coats are applied.
Certain calculators will ask you to define the kind of paint or coverage in gallons. Enter it carefully. If the coverage rate is not given specifically, you can check the paint can or product label and look for this.
Look at the Texture of the Surface
The texture on the surface of the wall will also be important in determining the amount. Textured surfaces such as stucco, concrete, or textured paint will require more paint than smooth surfaces that include drywall. When putting measurements into a paint calculator square feet, you may need to input what type of surface you are painting.
For irregular surfaces, you will be using a bit more paint. Some of these calculators are going to do it automatically on the surface you select, and some others will ask you to input manually.
Input Number of Coats
The number of coats you will have to use will also impact the amount of paint you will need. Two coats of paint should typically be enough for most interior jobs, but a few colors or surfaces require more.
If you will be applying more than one coat, make sure you update it on the calculator as such. You can insert the coats to come up with a more accurate projection of how much paint you will require.
For areas with heavy traffic or outdoor surfaces, several coats will probably be needed for more coverage and long-lasting durability. Make sure you understand how much your specific project needs in terms of coverage and lifespan, and modify accordingly in the paint calculator.
