Exterior paint coverage varies by surface: 200-300 sq ft/gallon on smooth vinyl siding, 250-300 sq ft/gallon on wood, and 150-200 sq ft/gallon on rough stucco or brick.
🏠 Coverage Rates by Siding Type
Vinyl Siding
Wood Siding
Stucco
Brick
🏭 Exterior Paint Specifications
| Brand | Product | Surface | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams | Duration Exterior | Vinyl/Wood | 300-400 sq ft/gal |
| Benjamin Moore | Aura Exterior | All surfaces | 350-450 sq ft/gal |
| Behr | Premium Plus Ultra | Wood/Masonry | 250-400 sq ft/gal |
| PPG | Permanent Satin | Siding | 300-400 sq ft/gal |
| Benjamin Moore | MoorGard Low Lustre | Masonry | 200-300 sq ft/gal |
🏘️ Paint Needed by House Size
| House Size | Siding Area (est.) | Wood (2 coats) | Vinyl (2 coats) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft home | 1,200 sq ft | 8-10 gallons | 6-8 gallons |
| 1,500 sq ft home | 1,800 sq ft | 12-15 gallons | 9-12 gallons |
| 2,000 sq ft home | 2,400 sq ft | 16-20 gallons | 12-16 gallons |
| 2,500 sq ft home | 3,000 sq ft | 20-25 gallons | 15-20 gallons |
| 3,000 sq ft home | 3,600 sq ft | 24-30 gallons | 18-24 gallons |
🛡️ Exterior Primer Requirements
Acrylic Latex Primer
Oil-Based Primer
Masonry Primer
Bonding Primer
🌤️ Environmental Factors Affecting Coverage
UV Exposure & Fading
South and west-facing walls require paint with higher UV resistance. Faded surfaces need extra coats for full opacity.
Moisture & Weathering
Weathered wood absorbs 30-50% more paint. Peeling or chalking surfaces require scraping/power washing before priming.
Temperature Range
Apply exterior paint between 50-90°F. Cold weather increases viscosity and reduces coverage. Hot surfaces cause premature drying.
Mildew & Algae Growth
Requires cleaning with TSP or mildew cleaner before painting. Use mildew-resistant exterior paint formulas.
Coastal/High Humidity
Salt air and moisture require acrylic latex paints. Oil-based paints may chalk prematurely in coastal climates.
🎨 Application Method Waste Factors
Brush & Roller
Most efficient method. Best for trim, detail work, and small areas. Minimal overspray or waste.
HVLP Sprayer
High volume, low pressure. Better control than airless. Moderate overspray. Good for textured surfaces.
Airless Sprayer
Fastest application. High overspray. Requires extensive masking. Best for large, open surfaces.
🔢 Manual Calculation Example
Example: 1,500 sq ft House (Wood Siding)
Step 1: Calculate siding area
House perimeter = 150 feet
Average height = 12 feet (single story + gables)
Siding area = 150 × 12 = 1,800 sq ft
Step 2: Deduct non-painted areas
Windows/doors: 200 sq ft
Net paintable area = 1,800 - 200 = 1,600 sq ft
Step 3: Calculate paint needed
Coverage = 275 sq ft/gal (wood)
Primer = 1,600 ÷ 275 = 5.8 gallons
Two coats paint = 5.8 × 2 = 11.6 gallons
Total: 6 gal primer + 12 gal paint (with overage)
Quick Formula
Exterior area = (Perimeter × Height) - (Windows + Doors)
Gallons = (Area ÷ Coverage rate) × Number of coats × 1.1
📋 Exterior Painting Best Practices
PCA (formerly PDCA)
Power wash surfaces to remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint before priming
Prime all bare wood within 48 hours of exposure to prevent moisture absorption
Two coats minimum on all exterior surfaces. Three coats for dramatic color changes
Use acrylic latex for most applications. Superior flexibility and UV resistance
Common Mistakes
Painting in direct sunlight causes rapid drying and poor adhesion
Skipping surface prep leads to peeling within 1-2 years
Using interior paint outside causes premature failure from UV and moisture
Underestimating texture leads to running out of paint mid-project
📚 Industry Standards & Testing
ASTM D3276 - Standard Guide for Painting Masonry
Specifications for surface preparation, priming, and coating application on brick, concrete, and stucco.
ASTM D6864 - Standard Practice for Exterior Wood Coating
Requirements for moisture content, surface preparation, primer selection, and application standards for wood siding.
Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) Guidelines
Recommends paint with LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 55 or higher to prevent vinyl warping from heat absorption.
National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)
Provides standards for painting trim, soffits, fascia, and other exterior architectural details.