How Much Paint Does a House Exterior Need?
Exterior paint quantities depend on the size of your home, the surface material, and how many coats you apply. A typical single-story ranch house measuring 40x30 feet has approximately 1,120 square feet of exterior wall area before deducting windows and doors. After deductions, the paintable siding area is around 900 square feet. At 300 to 350 square feet per gallon on rough wood siding with two coats, that equals 5 to 6 gallons.
A two-story colonial measuring 40x30 feet has approximately 2,240 square feet of exterior wall area. After deductions, the paintable area is around 1,800 square feet — requiring 10 to 12 gallons for two coats on the siding. Add another 2 to 3 gallons for trim, shutters, and doors in a contrasting colour.
Rough surfaces like wood shingles, textured stucco, and brick absorb significantly more paint than smooth surfaces. Reduce your coverage estimate by 20 to 30% for highly textured exterior surfaces. Smooth fiber cement and hardboard siding can achieve 350 to 400 square feet per gallon.
Exterior Paint Calculator — Reference Table
| House Size | Stories | 2 Coats Siding | Litres (2 coats) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | Single story | 5–6 gal | ~19–23 litres |
| 1,500 sq ft | Single story | 7–9 gal | ~26–34 litres |
| 2,000 sq ft | Two story | 10–12 gal | ~38–45 litres |
| 2,500 sq ft | Two story | 12–15 gal | ~45–57 litres |
| 3,000 sq ft | Two story | 15–18 gal | ~57–68 litres |
Best Exterior Paint Finish
Satin is the most popular finish for exterior siding. It resists dirt, mildew, and moisture, and holds up to UV exposure and weathering better than flat exterior paint. Semi-gloss is the standard finish for exterior trim, doors, shutters, and architectural details — it highlights these elements and provides maximum washability on high-contact surfaces.
Flat exterior paint is used on rough masonry, stucco, and brick where a non-reflective finish is preferred. Flat hides surface imperfections better than satin but is less washable and more susceptible to mildew over time.
Best Exterior Paint Brands
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior at around $92 per gallon is the premium choice with exceptional hide, fade resistance, and a lifetime warranty against peeling. Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior at around $85 per gallon offers the best colour accuracy and fade resistance. Behr Marquee Exterior at around $55 per gallon is the best value premium option available at Home Depot.
For mid-range projects, Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior at around $75 per gallon and Behr Premium Plus Exterior at around $45 per gallon both offer excellent durability. Avoid budget exterior paints under $25 per gallon — the savings are quickly offset by shorter lifespan and the cost of repainting sooner.
Best Exterior Paint Colours in 2026
Greige remains the most popular exterior house colour in North America. Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036) and Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (HC-172) are the two most widely used exterior colours for suburban homes.
Bold colours are trending strongly in 2026. Deep navy like Sherwin-Williams Trending Navy (SW 9176), forest greens like Sherwin-Williams Hunt Club (SW 6468), and near-black like Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258) are all growing in popularity for homes seeking strong curb appeal.
Tips for Painting a House Exterior
Check the weather forecast. Never paint when rain is forecast within 24 hours, temperatures are below 50°F (10°C) or above 90°F (32°C), or in direct hot sunlight.
Power wash before painting. Clean all surfaces with a pressure washer. Dirt, mildew, and chalky old paint prevent adhesion and cause premature peeling.
Always prime bare wood. Any bare or exposed wood must be primed with an exterior primer before painting. Unprimed wood causes rapid peeling.
Caulk all gaps before painting. Caulk around windows, doors, and trim before painting. Uncaulked gaps allow water infiltration and cause paint failure.
Paint top to bottom. Start with soffits and fascia, then walls, then trim. Drips fall onto unpainted surfaces below.
Buy 15% extra for rough surfaces. Wood shingles, textured stucco, and rough masonry absorb significantly more paint than smooth surfaces.
Related Paint Calculators
- Garage Paint Calculator →
- Basement Paint Calculator →
- Primer Calculator →
- Ceiling Paint Calculator →
- How Much Paint for a 12x12 Room →
- Free Paint Calculator →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paint do I need to paint a house exterior?
A typical 2,000 sq ft two-story house needs 10 to 12 gallons for two coats on the siding. A smaller single-story ranch needs 5 to 6 gallons. Add 2 to 3 gallons for trim and doors.
What is the best exterior paint finish?
Satin for siding and walls, semi-gloss for trim, doors, and shutters. Satin resists dirt and mildew. Semi-gloss is highly washable on high-contact surfaces.
How long does exterior paint last?
Quality exterior paint lasts 7 to 10 years on wood siding, 10 to 15 years on fiber cement, and 15 to 20 years on masonry. Premium paint lasts significantly longer than budget options.
How many gallons for a 2000 sq ft house exterior?
A 2,000 sq ft house needs 10 to 12 gallons for two coats on the siding. Add 2 to 3 gallons for trim and doors. Buy 15% extra for rough wood shingles or textured stucco.
Do I need to prime before exterior painting?
Yes in most cases. Bare wood, stained surfaces, and surfaces changing from dark to light all require exterior primer for best adhesion and durability.
What is the best exterior paint brand?
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior, Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior, and Behr Marquee Exterior are the top three premium options. Behr Premium Plus Exterior at $45 per gallon is the best mid-range value.