Question 1

How much exterior paint do I need for my house?

Accepted Answer

A typical 1,500 sq ft home has about 1,200–1,800 sq ft of paintable siding (excluding roof and foundation). At 320 sq ft/gallon (satin, two coats) with 15% waste, that’s about 8–12 gallons. Use our calculator: enter your total area, choose your surface type (wood, vinyl, stucco, brick), and get exact gallons plus primer if needed.

Question 2

How many square feet does a gallon of exterior paint cover?

Accepted Answer

One gallon of exterior paint covers about 250–350 sq ft per coat, depending on finish and surface. Flat covers more (around 350); semi-gloss covers less (around 300). Rough surfaces like stucco or brick use 20–25% more paint than smooth vinyl. Our calculator adjusts coverage by surface type so you don’t over- or under-buy.

Question 3

Do I need primer for exterior paint?

Accepted Answer

You need exterior primer for bare wood, bare metal, or when making a big color change (e.g. dark to light). Actually, if the surface is already painted and in good shape, you can often skip primer. Premium paint sometimes includes primer in the can, but for new or bare surfaces you're still better off with a dedicated exterior primer for adhesion and durability.

Question 4

What’s the best exterior paint for wood siding?

Accepted Answer

Acrylic latex (100% acrylic) is the most common and durable for wood siding. It flexes with wood movement and resists cracking. Use a flat or satin finish for siding; save semi-gloss for trim and doors. For bare wood, always use an exterior wood primer first, then two coats of paint.

Question 5

How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?

Accepted Answer

DIY: paint and supplies often run $1.50–3 per sq ft (materials only). A 2,000 sq ft house might cost $3,000–6,000 in materials. Professional painting usually adds $2–5 per sq ft for labor, so the same house might total $7,000–15,000. Our calculator estimates materials (paint + primer) and lets you add labor $/sq ft for a full project estimate.

Question 6

How many gallons of paint do I need for a 1,500 sq ft house exterior?

Accepted Answer

A 1,500 sq ft home typically needs about 12–18 gallons for two coats, depending on siding type (vinyl uses less, stucco or brick use more). Our calculator gives a precise estimate: enter 1,500 as total area, choose your surface type, and it will factor in waste and coverage so you don’t over- or under-buy.

Question 7

Do I need to calculate primer separately for exterior painting?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for new wood, bare metal, or big color changes you’ll need primer. Our tool includes a primer estimate: select “Bare / New Surface” under Surface Condition and it will add the right amount (based on ~300 sq ft/gal). For already-painted surfaces in good shape, you can leave it on “Previously Painted” and skip primer.

Question 8

How much area does a 5-gallon bucket of exterior paint cover?

Accepted Answer

One 5-gallon bucket covers about 1,250–1,750 square feet per coat, depending on finish and surface. Satin on smooth vinyl is around 1,600 sq ft per coat; rough stucco or brick is on the lower end. Our calculator shows total gallons and breaks it down into 5-gallon buckets and 1-gallon cans so you can buy the right mix.

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