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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.

Painting a room takes between six and ten hours on average, depending on the roomsize, project complexity, and preparation work. Professional painters can complete the job more quickly due to their expertise. If you're painting yourself, allocate extra time for prep work, applying multiple coats, and clean-up. Remember to account for drying times between coats.

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).

You should repaint your home's interior every three to ten years. High-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and children's rooms may need repainting more frequently due to wear and tear. Factors like pets, quality of the previous paint job, type of paint used, and sunlight exposure can influence how soon repainting is needed. Regular repainting keeps your home looking fresh and helps protect your walls.

A comprehensive painting estimate should detail all costs, including labor, materials like paint and supplies, and fees for prep work(e.g., sanding, wall repairs). It should specify the areas to be painted, square footage, and number of coats. The estimate should also note the type and brand of paint, provide a timeline for completion, and outline any warranties or guarantees on workmanship and materials.