A 2000 sq ft house exterior needs 8-12 gallons of paint for two coats. This covers the main house body, trim, doors, and detail work.
Most exterior paints cover 250-400 square feet per gallon. Your exact amount depends on surface texture, paint quality, and color changes. Professional painters typically use 10-11 gallons for complete coverage.
How much paint covers 1 gallon?
One gallon of exterior paint covers 250-400 square feet. Smooth surfaces like vinyl siding get 350-400 sq ft coverage. Rough surfaces like brick or stucco get 200-250 sq ft coverage.
Coverage rates vary by surface type:
- Smooth vinyl: 400 sq ft per gallon
- Wood siding: 300-350 sq ft per gallon
Paint manufacturers like Sherwin-Williams and Behr publish these standard coverage rates on product labels.
What affects paint coverage on house exteriors?
Surface texture affects paint coverage the most. Rough surfaces absorb more paint than smooth surfaces. Textured walls need 20% more paint than smooth walls.
Surface condition impacts coverage:
- New surfaces: Standard coverage rates apply
- Weathered surfaces: Need 25% more paint
Color changes require extra paint. Light to dark color changes need primer plus two finish coats.
How do you calculate paint for a 2000 sq ft house?
Calculate wall area by measuring perimeter times height. A typical 2000 sq ft single-story house has 180 feet perimeter and 10 feet height, equaling 1,800 square feet of wall area.
Calculation steps:
- Measure house perimeter and height
- Multiply perimeter × height for total wall area
Subtract doors and windows from total area. Average windows are 15 square feet. Average doors are 20 square feet.
How much paint does house trim need?
House trim needs 1-2 quarts of paint. Trim includes window frames, door frames, and corner boards. Most trim paint comes in quart containers.
Trim calculation method:
- Measure total trim length in feet
- Multiply by 0.5 for trim area
A 2000 sq ft house typically has 400-500 linear feet of trim, equaling 200-250 square feet of trim area.
Do different paint types affect coverage?
Latex paint covers better than oil-based paint on most surfaces. Latex paint provides 350-400 sq ft per gallon. Oil-based paint provides 300-350 sq ft per gallon.
Premium paint covers more area than budget paint. High-quality paints contain more solids and pigments, providing better coverage per gallon.
How much primer do you need for exterior painting?
Primer coverage is 200-300 square feet per gallon. Houses need primer on bare wood, metal surfaces, or dramatic color changes.
Primer requirements:
- Bare surfaces: Full primer coat needed
- Color changes: Tinted primer recommended
A 2000 sq ft house needs 6-8 gallons of primer for complete coverage.
What paint quantity do different siding materials need?
Brick and stucco need 30% more paint than vinyl siding. Porous materials absorb more paint during application.
Siding material coverage rates:
- Vinyl siding: 350-400 sq ft per gallon
- Brick masonry: 200-250 sq ft per gallon
Wood siding falls between these rates at 300-350 sq ft per gallon.
How much extra paint should you buy?
Buy 15% more paint than calculated amounts. Extra paint covers measurement errors and provides touch-up paint for future use.
A 2000 sq ft house calculation:
- Base calculation: 10 gallons
- Extra 15%: 1.5 gallons
- Total purchase: 12 gallons
Professional painters recommend buying paint in 5-gallon buckets for better color consistency.
When do you need two coats of exterior paint?
Two coats are required for color changes and new surfaces. The first coat seals the surface. The second coat provides full color coverage.
Two-coat situations:
- Light to dark color changes
- Previously unpainted surfaces
Well-maintained surfaces with similar color changes may only need one coat.
How do surface conditions change paint requirements?
Chalky or peeling surfaces need 25% more paint. Damaged surfaces absorb more paint during the first coat application.
Surface preparation affects paint usage. Power washing and scraping reduce paint absorption. Primer application on prepared surfaces improves coverage efficiency.
What paint quantity do professionals use vs DIY?
Professional painters use 10-15% less paint than DIY applications. Spray equipment provides more efficient coverage than brushes and rollers.
Application method coverage:
- Professional spray: 375-400 sq ft per gallon
- DIY brush/roller: 300-350 sq ft per gallon
Soda City Painting uses professional spray equipment for maximum coverage efficiency.
What paint supplies do you need for a 2000 sq ft house?
Main house body needs 10-12 gallons exterior latex paint. Trim work needs 2 quarts trim paint. Doors need 1 quart door paint.
Complete supply list:
- 10-12 gallons house body paint
- 2 quarts trim paint
Application supplies: High-quality brushes, rollers, paint trays, drop cloths, and painter’s tape complete the project requirements.
Professional contractors in Columbia and Lexington areas can provide accurate measurements and paint quantity estimates for your specific house.
Final Thoughts
A 2000 sq ft house exterior requires 8-12 gallons of paint for complete coverage. Surface texture, paint quality, and color changes affect exact quantities. Professional measurement and quality paint selection provide the best coverage results.
Contact local painting professionals for accurate paint quantity estimates and expert application services.