Are you planning to give your home a makeover in terms of paint? Before you buy the paint you have in mind, it is paramount to know the amount of paint you need. Why so? First, you do not want to empty your pockets again and again because of your miscalculation. Secondly, where would you store all the paint you have already bought which might not be used later?
Paint calculator: How much paint do you need?
Your contractor might give you an estimate on how many litres of paint you need to renovate or paint your house fresh. But that is an estimation, not the accurate amount. To find the answer, you need to know the number of walls, doors, windows, etc., that need painting. Therefore, follow the steps mentioned below to attain the right amount of paint you need to give your house a new look:
- Measure the area you want to paint in your house. Remember, for wall measurements, use a metal tape and then multiply the wall length, height and width measurements to know sq.m.
- From this area, now subtract the area taken up by the doors and the windows to know the exact area of the wall that needs painting.
- Measure the length, height and width of the doors and the windows that need painting
- Finally, to know the amount of paint you need, divide the total paint area by 100.
Note: One litre of paint usually covers a 100 sq. ft area. However, some surfaces need a double coat; it also depends on whether the paint is being used to cover the interiors or the exteriors.
Paint calculator: Things to keep in mind before picking the right paint for your walls
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Do a patch test first
Everyone does a patch test before finalising a paint. However, try doing this test in various lights. Paint comes out differently in sunlight and artificial lights.
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Pick the right tools
The right paintbrush or tool is an essential part of the painting project. To cover the area that is not easily accessible, you need to invest in the right kind of painting tools. Remember, a cheap product can leave the bristles on the wet paint.
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Rely on painters’ tape
Another important thing to keep in mind is to cover the switches, doors, and areas that do not need painting with high-quality painter’s tape. Before you remove this tape, ensure the paint is completely dried-off and avoid using your fingers to remove it.
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Begin from top
Remember, painting projects are easier when done from top to bottom. Paint the ceiling first if you have to, followed by the walls. This will ensure to cover the areas where paint might have dripped.
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Choose your paint brand wisely
The final finish of the paint will be outstanding only if you use a good quality paint brand. There are a plethora of brands in the market having different types of paint ingredients: plant-based paints, oil paints, synthetic rubber paints, aluminium paints, emulsion paints, etc.
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Choose a good paint colour
Your house depicts a lot about your personality; therefore, make sure you have the walls painted with colours that justify your aura and synergise well with your style. But always remember to calculate the amount of paint you will be needing to avoid wastage and/or financial loss.
FAQs
What is a paint calculator?
A paint calculator is used to find out the amount of area that needs painting without letting the contractor or you over-purchase the paint and later on have a storage issue.
When to know if the paint has gone bad?
If the paint has a foul smell and does not give a smooth texture, that means the paint has gone bad and should not be used.
How to make the paint last for longer?