1,500 sq ft vinyl repaint
Vinyl · satin · standard · 2 coats · 15% waste
- Paint
- 11 gal
- Buy
- 2 × 5-gal + 1 × 1-gal
- Primer
- None
Smooth vinyl keeps coverage high — most of the order fits in 5-gallon buckets.
How Much Exterior Paint Do You Need?
Enter paintable area and surface type to get gallons to buy, a 5-gallon shopping list, and primer only when the surface needs it.
Last updated: July 11, 2026
Quick Presets
Bare / new surfaces add primer to the shopping list.
Defaults: satin, standard quality, 2 coats, 15% waste — change in Advanced.
Jump to Paint Order SummaryPaint Order Summary
16
gallons to buy (2 coats)
Paint — 5-gallon bucket× 3
Paint — 1-gallon can× 1
PrimerNot needed
Coverage294 sq ft/gal
2000 sq ft · Wood Siding · Satin · 2 coats · 15% waste. Whole-job total, not per wall.
Worked Examples
2,000 sq ft stucco
Stucco · satin · standard · 2 coats · 15% waste
- Paint
- 18 gal
- Buy
- 3 × 5-gal + 3 × 1-gal
- Primer
- None
Texture lowers coverage, so the same footprint needs more gallons than vinyl.
Bare wood with primer
1,600 sq ft wood · bare · satin · 2 coats
- Paint
- 13 gal
- Primer
- 7 gal
- Buy paint
- 2 × 5-gal + 3 × 1-gal
Bare wood adds a separate primer order before the finish coats.
Exterior Paint Coverage Guide
| Finish | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Flat / Matte | 350 sq ft/gal | Large siding fields |
| Satin | 320 sq ft/gal | Most exterior siding |
| Semi-gloss | 300 sq ft/gal | Trim, doors, accents |
Surface Coverage Guide
| Surface | Paint Factor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Full coverage | Smooth; usually the easiest repaint. |
| Wood | ~8% more paint | Absorbs more when dry or weathered. |
| Stucco | ~20% more paint | Texture adds surface area and roller loss. |
| Brick | ~25% more paint | Porous masonry usually needs the most. |
When Primer Is Needed
| Condition | Action |
|---|---|
| Previously painted, similar color | Usually no primer |
| Bare wood, metal, or patched areas | Add primer |
| Dark-to-light color change | Consider primer |
Frequently Asked Questions
Paintable wall area is not the same as interior floor area, but a common 1,500 sq ft vinyl siding repaint at 2 coats lands near 11 gallons (about two 5-gallon buckets plus a 1-gallon can). Stucco or brick on the same footprint needs more — use the calculator above.
Plan on about 300–350 sq ft per gallon on smooth surfaces. Stucco, brick, weathered wood, and economy paint cover less, so this page adjusts gallons by surface type and paint quality.
Yes for bare wood, bare metal, patched areas, chalky surfaces, or big color changes. A sound previously painted surface in a similar color usually does not need a full primer coat.
Buy 5-gallon buckets for the bulk, then fill the remainder with 1-gallon cans. The shopping list splits the total that way so it matches a real store order.
Two coats are the safer default for color consistency and durability. One coat can work for a same-color refresh on paint that is still in good shape.