Measuring Rooms For Paint: A Guide To Pricing

Measuring a room to estimate the amount of paint needed and the cost of the project is a straightforward process. You'll need a tape measure or a laser tape measure, and a calculator. Measure the length and width of each wall, then multiply these figures together to get the square footage of each wall. If there are windows or doors, measure their total surface area and subtract this from the total wall surface area. The coverage amount of the paint will be listed on the label, and paint is usually applied at 350 to 400 square feet per gallon. To estimate the cost, you'll need to consider the price of materials and labour, and factor in any additional labour costs for potential accidents or extra work.

Calculating the amount of paint needed

Once you have your tools, start by measuring the length and width of each wall in the room. It's important to measure from corner to corner to get the width of the wall, and from floor to ceiling to get the length. Record each measurement, and then multiply the length and width of each wall to get the square footage. If your walls have different dimensions, doing individual calculations for each wall will provide more accurate results.

After calculating the square footage of each wall, you need to account for any doors or windows in the room. Measure the length and width of each door and window, and multiply these measurements to get the total surface area. If you have multiple doors or windows of the same size, you only need to do this calculation once for each unique size. Subtract the total surface area of the doors and windows from the total square footage of the walls to get the net wall area.

Finally, consider any additional surfaces you plan to paint, such as the ceiling or trim. Measure and calculate the square footage of these surfaces and add them to your total. With the total surface area to be painted, you can now refer to the paint can's label or manufacturer's website to determine how much paint you'll need. Paint coverage can vary by brand, so always check the specific details of your chosen paint.

Measuring walls, windows and doors

Measuring the walls, windows, and doors is essential to accurately estimate the paint quantity and cost for a room. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:

Measuring Walls

Start by measuring the width of each wall you plan to paint. Using a tape measure, place it from one corner of the wall to the other, ensuring it's pulled taut and flush with the wall. Record the width in feet. Next, measure the length of the wall from floor to ceiling, again recording the value in feet. Repeat this process for every wall. Multiply the width and length of each wall to calculate its square footage.

Windows and Doors

To calculate the total surface area of windows and doors, measure their length and height using a tape measure. Multiply these two values together for each window and door. If all your windows are the same size, you only need to do this calculation once and then multiply by the total number of windows. The same principle applies to identically-sized doors.

Accounting for Windows and Doors in Wall Measurements

If your walls have windows, doors, or other features that won't be painted, subtract their square footage from the total square footage of the wall they're on. This adjustment ensures you provide contractors with precise measurements. As a general rule, a door is approximately 20 square feet, and a window is about 15 square feet.

Final Calculations

After measuring and calculating the square footage of each wall, window, and door, you can determine the total surface area to be painted. This value will be useful when estimating the amount of paint required and the associated costs.

Remember to take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy and consider using tools like laser tape measures or smartphone apps for added convenience and precision.

Using a paint calculator

First, measure the length, width, and height of the room. Use a standard or laser tape measure to get precise dimensions. If you're using a physical tape measure, measure the width of each wall from corner to corner, and the length from floor to ceiling. Multiply these numbers together for each wall to get the square footage. If you have windows or doors, subtract their square footage from the wall they're on.

Next, count the number of doors and windows in the room, as these reduce the surface area that needs to be painted. If you have moulding, be sure to include this in your calculations. You can use a Room Paint Calculator app or website to input these measurements and details, and it will calculate the amount of paint you need.

Different paint calculators may have slightly different input requirements, so check that you're providing the right information. For example, some calculators may ask for the room's volume, which you can calculate by multiplying the room's length, width, and height. Paint calculators may also ask for the number of coats of paint you plan to apply, the type of paint (e.g. matte or gloss), and whether you're including the ceiling and trims in your painting project.

Always double-check your inputs before finalising your calculations. Review your measurements and ensure you've selected the correct paint type and number of coats. If you're unsure about anything, consult a paint professional for advice specific to your project.

Estimating labour costs

The cost of labour will depend on the experience level of the painter, the complexity of the job, and your location. Painters with more experience will likely charge more for their services, and the complexity of the job may require additional prep work, such as repairing drywall or removing mould, which will increase costs.

The size of the room will also impact labour costs. Larger rooms will require more labour to paint, resulting in higher costs. Additionally, high ceilings, moulding, and other details may increase the time needed to complete the job, which will be reflected in the labour charges.

To ensure accurate estimates, it is recommended to get painting estimates in person and verify the licensing, insurance, and experience of the painter. It is also important to be cautious of low bids, as they may indicate the use of cheap materials or unskilled labour.

Online calculators and templates can assist in estimating labour costs. These tools allow for customization based on location, size, and specific project options. By inputting the relevant information, you can receive an estimate of the labour costs involved.

Choosing paint colours

Choosing the right paint colours for your room can be a daunting task, but it's easy once you learn the basics of colour selection. There are several factors to consider when choosing a paint colour, from the room's purpose and lighting to your personal design aesthetic. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect paint colours for your space:

Start with an inspiration piece:

As suggested by architectural colour consultant Bonnie Krims, start by choosing an existing object in your home that conveys comfort or holds an emotional connection for you. This could be a pillow, a scarf, or a painting. Bring it with you to the paint store and find colour samples that match. Each sample strip typically contains six paint colours, giving you a range of options to work with.

Understand the colour wheel:

Familiarise yourself with basic colour theory. Primary colours (red, yellow, and blue) can be mixed to create all other colours. Secondary colours are obtained by mixing two primary colours and include green, orange, and purple. The hue refers to the variety of a colour (e.g., aqua is a hue of blue). Tone is produced by adding grey pigment, and tint or shade describes lighter or darker variations of a colour.

Consider the room's purpose and lighting:

The paint colour you choose should align with the atmosphere and purpose of the room. For example, vibrant colours energise a space, while deeper hues add sophistication and depth. Lighter shades and pastels can help reflect light and make a small room feel more spacious. Consider the amount of natural light the room receives and test your potential paint colours in both natural and indoor lighting.

Create a cohesive look:

Choose colours that share warm or cool undertones to create a cohesive and unified look throughout your home. Using a consistent trim colour is a popular strategy to tie different colour zones together. If you want to make a statement, consider an accent wall in a contrasting or bolder colour. White trim against coloured walls is a classic choice.

Experiment and visualise:

Take advantage of online tools and apps that allow you to visualise different paint colours in your space. For example, the Paint Visualizer by Lowe's lets you upload a photo of your room and experiment with various paint colours. You can also paint large squares of sample colours directly on your walls to see how they look in different lighting conditions.

Remember, choosing paint colours is a creative process that reflects your unique personality and design preferences. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!

Frequently asked questions