How much paint do I need to buy?

[PenelopeJune]

I need help figuring this out. I'm painting the trim in our house white, and I have no idea how many gallons it will take. It's a very small house (600 sq feet) with trim around the floors, probably 7 or 8 windows, 8 doors, plus two sets of closet doors. (The slatted kind.)

Any guesses? If someone could please at least tell me how much paint a door will need, front and back, it might help me figure it out.

Also, I'm painting the kitchen cabinets, inside and out. There is not many of them, a top set and a bottom set along one wall. Maybe 10 feet wide? I was thinking a gallon for the exterior and a gallon for the interior? Of course, it's been ages since the exterior has been painted, and the inside has never been painted, so that could soak up paint pretty bad.

[mkksmom]

How difficult would it be to pick up more paint if you needed it for the baseboards? Since you are doing white and not a custom color, matching perfectly won't be an issue. Are you painting over white trim or is it another color? If you are painting over trim that is already white, I think I might start with a gallon and see if you need more.

You are right that the cabinets could possibly soak up paint. I think 2 gallons would be more than enough. I'm no pro, though. My dad is and I usually just ask him what to buy.

[bigteamug]

Ask the place you're going to buy the paint from. Though if it is a big box store, be sure to get someone who knows their stuff.

[westcoastlady]

It could be worth your while to prime the cabinets. It will make sure the paint adheres to them really well and then they won't soak up as much paint. You'll probably get more even coverage as well.

Is the trim on your house white already? Otherwise I would prime that as well.. also any bare wood needs to be primed. (I love primer... can't you tell)

I think 1 gallon would be work for the outside and one for the inside (although with the insides and outsides of the cabinets you may end up using lots of paint.)

Good luck and happy painting.

[PenelopeJune]

Thanks guys. Yeah, the trim is already white, but I think the interior doors are still wood. (We haven't moved in yet.) I think I will prime the unpainted wood, and the cabinets.

Okay, so I will start with one gallon for the inside of the cabinets, one for the outside, and maybe two for the trim. Or maybe just one if I'm going to prime everything. It's not hard to pick up more paint, but our house is 30 minutes from any stores, so it's a bit inconvenient.

[number572]

I paint professionally and I would not skip the priming step. If you skip priming, problems could take a few months to show up even if the project looks fantastic at first. I would get an extra gallon while you're at the paint store unless its a tinted shade of white that you can't return later. Also, running a quick pass with a light sandpaper & then wiping all surfaces with a damp rag to remove dirt, dust, oil, etc will help the paint to adhere.

some other little tips i've learned:
- skimping on prep-time brings more cleanup-time later
- use water based whenever possible, even primer
- mid to higher priced paints are actually much better quality if you can swing it
- gloss or hi-gloss works best for trim & doors
- its less time consuming & easier to remove cabinet & closet doors to paint them (using bricks or saw horses to prop them up)
- two coats at least, always, even with primer will help the paint job last ALOT longer than just one coat
- roller covers and brushes with paint on them can be wrapped in a few plastic bags and stored overnight while waiting for coats to dry completely

best luck & have fun!

[number572]

oh and def check out the low or no VOC paints, so much nicer to work with & clean up!!