🎨 Paint Calculator
Calculate paint requirements, costs, and materials for interior and exterior painting projects
Paint Requirements
Paint Properties
Paint Requirements
💡 Professional Painting Tips
Surface Preparation
- • Clean walls thoroughly before painting
- • Fill holes and cracks with putty
- • Sand rough surfaces smooth
- • Apply primer on new or stained surfaces
- • Remove or cover furniture and floors
- • Use masking tape for clean edges
Application Technique
- • Use 'W' or 'M' pattern with roller
- • Paint ceiling first, then walls
- • Cut in edges with brush before rolling
- • Maintain wet edge to avoid lap marks
- • Apply thin, even coats
- • Allow proper drying time between coats
Quality Standards
- • Two coats minimum for best results
- • Use quality brushes and rollers
- • Don't paint in direct sunlight
- • Ideal temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
- • Avoid painting in high humidity
- • Keep paint containers covered when not in use
Color Selection
- • Test colors in different lighting
- • Light colors make rooms appear larger
- • Dark colors create cozy atmosphere
- • Use primer for dramatic color changes
- • Consider room function when choosing finish
- • Coordinate with existing decor
Common Mistakes
- • Skipping primer application
- • Using cheap brushes or rollers
- • Not allowing proper drying time
- • Overloading brush or roller
- • Painting in poor lighting
- • Not protecting furniture and floors
Cost Saving Tips
- • Buy paint in bulk for discounts
- • Do preparation work yourself
- • Use high-quality tools for better results
- • Plan project during off-peak seasons
- • Compare prices across multiple stores
- • Consider color-matched primer
📊 Paint Coverage Reference
Coverage by Paint Type
| Paint Type | Coverage (sq ft/L) |
|---|---|
| Matt/Flat | 110-130 |
| Eggshell | 100-120 |
| Satin | 90-110 |
| Semi-Gloss | 80-100 |
| Gloss | 70-90 |
| Primer | 100-120 |
Standard Dimensions
How to Calculate Paint Quantity
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Measure Room: Note length, width, and height of room in feet
- 2Count Openings: Number of doors and windows
- 3Select Paint Type: Interior/exterior, finish type
- 4Coats: Usually 2 coats recommended
- 5Calculate: Get paint, primer & cost estimates
Pro Painting Tips
- ✓Always buy 10-15% extra for touch-ups
- ✓Primer is essential for new walls
- ✓Dark colors need 3 coats usually
- ✓Test color on small patch first
- ✓Paint in natural daylight for best results
- ✓Premium brands cover better, need less coats
Understanding Paint Types & Finishes
🏠 Interior Paints
Emulsion Paint
Water-based, most popular for walls. Coverage: 120-140 sq ft/liter. Cost: ₹180-500/liter
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, general interior walls
Distemper Paint
Budget option, water-based. Coverage: 100-120 sq ft/liter. Cost: ₹40-80/liter
Best for: Budget projects, temporary walls, rental properties
Enamel Paint
Oil-based, glossy finish. Coverage: 80-100 sq ft/liter. Cost: ₹250-600/liter
Best for: Woodwork, metal surfaces, kitchen/bathroom walls
Textured Paint
Creates patterns, thicker. Coverage: 60-80 sq ft/liter. Cost: ₹400-1200/liter
Best for: Accent walls, hiding wall imperfections, modern look
🌤️ Exterior Paints
Acrylic Exterior Paint
Weather-resistant, UV protection. Coverage: 100-120 sq ft/liter. Cost: ₹300-800/liter
Best for: All exterior walls, durable for 5-7 years
Cement Paint
Cement-based, rough texture. Coverage: 80-100 sq ft/kg. Cost: ₹40-100/kg
Best for: Exterior concrete, budget projects, industrial look
Apex/Premium Exterior
Advanced formula, 10-year warranty. Coverage: 110-130 sq ft/liter. Cost: ₹600-1500/liter
Best for: Premium projects, harsh weather areas, long-term
Waterproofing Paint
Waterproof coating. Coverage: 60-80 sq ft/liter. Cost: ₹500-1200/liter
Best for: Terraces, bathrooms, moisture-prone areas
Paint Finish Types Explained
Matt/Flat Finish
Non-reflective, hides imperfections
Coverage: 120-140 sq ft/L
Best for: Ceilings, low-traffic areas
Cleaning: Difficult, not washable
Eggshell/Satin
Slight sheen, moderately washable
Coverage: 100-120 sq ft/L
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms
Cleaning: Wipeable with damp cloth
Gloss/Semi-Gloss
Shiny, highly reflective, durable
Coverage: 70-90 sq ft/L
Best for: Kitchen, bathroom, trim
Cleaning: Highly washable, scrubable
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many liters of paint needed for 100 sq ft?
For 100 sq ft with 2 coats, you need approximately 1.5-2 liters of paint (0.75-1 liter per coat). This assumes 120 sq ft coverage per liter, which is standard for quality emulsion paint. Add 10% extra for wastage.
Q: Is primer really necessary or can I skip it?
Primer is essential for: (1) New walls - seals and prevents paint absorption, (2) Color changes - especially light to dark or vice versa, (3) Problem surfaces - water stains, repairs. Primer improves paint adhesion, coverage, and longevity. Only skip if repainting same color on good surface.
Q: How much does painting cost per sq ft in India?
2024 rates in India: Basic (Distemper) ₹12-18/sq ft, Standard (Emulsion) ₹25-40/sq ft, Premium (Asian/Berger premium) ₹45-65/sq ft. This includes material + labor. Metro cities cost 20-30% more. Exterior painting costs ₹30-50/sq ft.
Q: Which paint brand is best - Asian, Berger, Dulux, or Nerolac?
All are good quality. Asian Paints (market leader, widest range, ₹180-500/L), Berger (good coverage, ₹170-450/L), Dulux (premium quality, ₹200-550/L), Nerolac (value for money, ₹160-420/L). Choose based on budget and local availability. Premium ranges from all brands perform similarly.
Q: How long does paint take to dry between coats?
Emulsion: Touch dry in 30-60 minutes, recoat after 2-4 hours. Enamel: Touch dry in 4-6 hours, recoat after 16-24 hours. Optimal conditions: 20-30°C temperature, 50-70% humidity. In monsoon, add 50% more drying time. Don't rush - inadequate drying causes peeling.
Q: Should I paint in summer, winter, or monsoon?
Best: October-February (post-monsoon winter) - low humidity, comfortable temperature. Avoid: June-September (monsoon) - high humidity, poor drying, fungal growth risk. Summer (March-May) is okay but hot for painters. Interior painting possible year-round with AC/fans.
Q: How to calculate paint for ceiling separately?
Ceiling area = Length × Width. Example: 12ft × 10ft room = 120 sq ft ceiling. For white ceiling, 1 coat primer + 1 coat paint is usually enough. Need: 120 ÷ 120 = 1 liter paint + 1 liter primer. Always use matt finish for ceilings to avoid glare.
Q: What tools and accessories needed for DIY painting?
Essentials: Roller with tray (₹200-500), 2-3 brushes different sizes (₹50-150 each), painter's tape (₹150-300), drop sheets (₹200-500), sandpaper (₹20-50), putty knife (₹50-100), ladder/stool, stirring stick, cleaning cloth. Total DIY kit cost: ₹1000-2000.
Q: How to prepare walls before painting?
Steps: (1) Remove loose paint, scrape off peeling areas, (2) Fill cracks/holes with wall putty, (3) Sand smooth when dry, (4) Clean dust with damp cloth, (5) Apply primer (mandatory for new walls), (6) Let primer dry 4-6 hours. Proper preparation = 50% of good paint job success.
Q: How long does interior/exterior paint last?
Interior paint: 5-10 years depending on quality, traffic, and cleaning. Exterior paint: 3-7 years due to weather exposure. Premium paints last longer. Signs to repaint: fading, chalking, peeling, cracks, stains. Well-maintained painted surfaces can last longer than expected.
Professional Color Selection Guide
🏠 Living Room
Warm, welcoming colors that create conversation atmosphere
🛏️ Bedroom
Calm, soothing colors for relaxation and sleep
🍳 Kitchen
Clean, energizing colors, stain-resistant finishes
🚿 Bathroom
Moisture-resistant, spa-like atmosphere
📚 Study/Office
Focus-enhancing, productivity-boosting colors
👶 Kids Room
Fun, vibrant, washable paint essential