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Calculate the total square footage of the walls you plan to paint by multiplying the length and height of each wall, then adding the areas together. Subtract the square footage of windows, doors, and other unpaintable surfaces. Since one gallon of paint covers about 350 square feet, divide your total square footage by 350 to determine how many gallons you need. For precise calculations, use our paint calculator.

Under typical conditions, painting a room takes six to ten hours, including prep, application, and drying intervals. Pros often finish faster because they work in teams and bring specialized tools. If you tackle the job yourself, build in extra time for taping, multiple coats, and clean-up, plus the required drying time between coats.Planning for those steps prevents costly touch-ups later.

Most homeowners and pros use latex paint indoors—whether that’s latex enamel or acrylic latex—since it dries quicker than oil-based paint and is easy to clean if you make any mistakes. However, for cabinets, window trims, and doors, some opt for oil-based paint for a smoother surface. Consult your painting professional to determine the best type of paint to use for your project.

Yes, you can paint the interior of your home during the winter. In fact, there are benefits to doing so—lower humidity can lead to faster drying times, and painters may have more availability during the off-season. Just be sure to ventilate your home to help the paint dry and reduce fumes. If it's too cold to open windows, use fans, dehumidifiers, and choose paint with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

A comprehensive painting estimate should detail all costs, including labor, materials like paint and supplies, and fees for all necessary preparation such as sanding and wall repairs, with exact square footage and area specifications provided. The estimate must also clearly state the specific paint type, brand, color, and finish used, along with a precise timeline for project completion and any warranty or guarantee details to protect your investment.