How much paint do I need to paint a house exterior?
Exterior walls, the size of the house and how rough the siding is all drive how much paint you need. As a rough guide, the average home needs 6 to 10 gallons for the body plus 1 to 2 for trim.
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- Measure each wall (length x height) and add them up, then subtract big windows and doors.
- Rough stucco, brick and old wood soak up far more paint — add 20 to 30 percent.
- Buy exterior-grade paint and a separate gallon for trim and doors.
Frequently asked questions
- How many gallons to paint the outside of a house?
- A typical 2,500 sq ft home needs about 6 to 10 gallons for two coats on the body, plus trim paint.
- Do I need primer for exterior paint?
- Bare wood, patched areas and big color changes need primer; most repaints over sound paint do not.