Quick Answer
For a 12×12 room with 8 foot ceilings, you will need approximately 2-3 gallons of paint to complete 2 coats. This estimate accounts for the walls only and does not include the ceiling or trim. Factors like the type of paint, surface material, and desired coverage will impact the exact amount of paint required.
Calculating How Much Paint is Needed
To determine how much paint you need for a 12×12 room, you’ll need to calculate the total wall space and then divide by the coverage rate of your chosen paint. Here are the steps:
1. Calculate Total Wall Space
First, determine the total square footage of the walls in the room. For a standard 12×12 room with 8 foot ceilings:
– There are 4 walls, each 12 feet wide by 8 feet high.
– Each wall is 12 x 8 = 96 square feet
– With 4 walls, the total wall space is 96 x 4 = 384 square feet
So for a typical 12×12 room, there is 384 square feet of wall space to cover.
2. Determine Paint Coverage Rate
Next, you’ll need to check the coverage rate on the paint you plan to use. Paint coverage is measured in square feet per gallon (sq ft/gal).
– Flat or matte paint covers approximately 400 sq ft/gal
– Eggshell paint covers around 375 sq ft/gal
– Satin or semi-gloss covers 350 sq ft/gal
– Gloss paint covers 300-325 sq ft/gal
Higher sheens provide less coverage because they are thicker. Verify the coverage rate on your specific paint before calculating.
3. Divide Wall Space by Coverage Rate
With the total wall space and paint coverage amounts, you can now estimate the paint needed:
Total Wall Space (sq ft) / Coverage Rate (sq ft/gal) = Gallons of Paint Needed
So for a 12×12 room using a satin paint with 350 sq ft/gal coverage:
384 sq ft (wall space) / 350 sq ft/gal (coverage rate) = 1.1 gallons
Rounding up, you would need 2 gallons of satin paint.
For a flat paint with 400 sq ft/gal coverage, the math would be:
384 sq ft (wall space) / 400 sq ft/gal (coverage rate) = 0.96 gallons
So you would need 1 gallon of flat paint.
Account for Extra Coats
The above calculation estimates the paint needed for one coat of coverage. But it’s standard practice to apply at least two coats of paint when repainting a room.
With two coats needed:
– 1 gallon of flat paint covers 200 sq ft (400/2)
– 1 gallon of satin covers 175 sq ft (350/2)
For a 12×12 room:
– 2 gallons of flat paint covers 400 sq ft (200 x 2)
– 2 gallons of satin covers 350 sq ft (175 x 2)
So for complete 2-coat coverage, you should purchase:
– 2 gallons of flat paint
– 2-3 gallons of satin, semi-gloss or gloss paint
This ensures you have enough paint for 2 full coats on the 12×12 room.
Factors That Change Paint Quantity Needed
While 2-3 gallons is a standard estimate for a 12×12 bedroom or office, several factors can alter the actual quantity of paint required:
Wall Material
Paint soaks into porous surfaces like plaster and unprimed drywall more than non-porous surfaces like wood paneling or brick. More paint is needed for porous walls.
Dark vs. Light Colors
Darker paint colors often require an extra coat to achieve proper coverage and hide the underlying surface. Going from light to dark usually needs more paint.
High Ceilings
Rooms with ceilings higher than 8 feet will have larger wall space and require more paint. Add 10-15% more for 9 foot ceilings or 20-30% for 10 foot ceilings.
Windows and Doors
Larger rooms tend to have more windows and doors. Subtract 15 sq ft for each standard door and 30 sq ft for each average window.
Trim, Ceilings and Accent Walls
Painting ceilings, crown molding, baseboards or accent walls in a different color adds to the amount of paint necessary. Calculate each surface separately.
Recommendations for 12×12 Room
Given the above considerations, here are general paint recommendations:
– For a 12×12 bedroom with smooth drywall, 2 gallons of flat or eggshell paint is plenty for 2 coats.
– For a 12×12 living room or common area, 2-3 gallons of satin or semi-gloss provides 2 full coats.
– Add 1 extra gallon if painting over dark colors or porous plaster walls.
– Budget 3 gallons for accent walls, trim and ceilings painted a different color.
Again, verify the actual wall square footage and paint’s coverage rate when estimating. Also buy all paint at once to ensure color consistency between cans.
Tips for Calculating Paint
Use these tips for an accurate paint estimate:
– Measure each wall and ceiling separately. Don’t forget closets!
– Check manufacturer coverage rates per gallon.
– Consider surface material and porosity.
– Add 10-30% extra for second coat.
– Budget more for dark colors hiding light surfaces.
– Account for all windows, doors, trim and accent areas.
– Round up to the nearest full gallon when purchasing.
– Buy all paint together for color consistency.
Properly measuring the room and calculating paint needs will ensure you get the right amount of paint for a smooth, even finish. Avoid underbuying and having mismatched colors or texture variations. Use two full coats.
Paint Calculator
For convenience, you can use an online paint calculator to estimate the amount of paint needed for a room. Simply enter the room dimensions, wall height, paint type and other details. The calculator will provide a paint quantity estimate.
Here is an example input for a 12×12 room:
Room Length | 12 ft |
Room Width | 12 ft |
Wall Height | 8 ft |
Paint Type | Satin |
Doors | 1 |
Windows | 2 |
This paint calculator estimates that about 2-3 gallons of satin paint would be required for a 12×12 room with standard 8 foot walls, one door, and two windows.
Online calculators provide a quick and easy way to get an estimate before purchasing paint. They help remove guesswork and ensure you buy enough.
Buying the Right Sheen
When purchasing paint for a 12×12 bedroom or living space, consider the appropriate paint sheen:
– Flat or matte paint has no shine and conceals imperfections well. It’s ideal for ceilings and low-traffic areas.
– Eggshell has a soft glow while still hiding flaws. Use it in living rooms, dens and bedrooms.
– Satin paint has moderate shine. It’s versatile for trim, doors, bedrooms and hallways.
– Semi-gloss has good durability and some sheen. Use it for cabinetry, bathrooms and kitchens.
– High-gloss offers a shiny, smooth finish. It’s recommended for trim, cabinets and high-moisture areas.
Generally, a satin or eggshell paint is preferred for most 12×12 rooms throughout the home. These mid-range sheens provide subtle shine while minimizing visible brush strokes.
Choosing Paint Quality
For best results, use premium or mid-grade paints labeled ‘Decorative’ or ‘Finishes.’ Avoid budget paint and primer-in-one products. Spend a little more for paint that provides better coverage and lasts longer.
Look for:
– 100% Acrylic or Latex paint – provides durability and easy cleanup with water
– High Hiding Pigments – conceal underlying colors and flaws
– Warranty – 1 year minimum, 5+ years preferred
Quality paint formulated for interiors makes painting easier and delivers a smooth, consistent finish. Purchase from leading brands like Benjamin Moore, BEHR or Sherwin-Williams.
Preparing Walls for Painting
Proper prep work ensures your paint adheres well and provides complete coverage:
1. Clean surfaces thoroughly – remove dirt, oil and grease from walls.
2. Fill cracks and holes with spackling paste and sand smooth when dry.
3. Lightly sand glossy areas to help paint adhere.
4. Remove any loose paint by scraping.
5. Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to mask trim, floors and furniture.
6. Apply primer to bare drywall or repaired patches.
7. Caulk along trim, seams and corners with acrylic latex caulk.
Taking time to prep saves work in the long run. It allows the paint to bond tightly and hide flaws for a professional looking finish.
Applying Paint Correctly
Follow these tips when applying paint:
– Use a quality nylon-polyester brush for best coverage. Replace worn brushes.
– Maintain a ‘wet edge’ by brushing back into freshly painted areas. Work in 3-4 foot sections.
– Roll paint in a ‘W’ or ‘N’ pattern avoiding excess pressure. Periodically reroll areas.
– Use an extension pole and quality microfiber roller sleeve for smoothest finish on walls.
– Apply paint generously from unpainted area into wet edges. Avoid starting in the middle of walls.
– Work methodically around the room maintaining wet edges to prevent lap marks.
– End brush strokes in the same direction for an invisible finish.
Patience and proper technique will reward you with a flawless painted finish. Take your time applying in long, smooth strokes.
Drying and Curing Time
Leave adequate drying time between coats. Check paint can labels for exact times:
– 8-10 hours for flat paint
– 8-12 hours for eggshell or satin
– Full cure time is typically 14-30 days
Proper curing results in tougher, more washable paint. Test paint hardness before cleaning. Allow at least 2 weeks before washing for full cure.
With careful planning and preparation, painting a 12×12 room is a relatively easy weekend project. Use high quality supplies, prep properly, and apply in smooth, controlled coats. Allow adequate drying time between coats and before furnishing the room. With this approach, you’ll achieve professional looking results.
Conclusion
For the average 12×12 bedroom or living area, you can expect to need approximately:
– 2 gallons of flat, matte or eggshell paint
– 2-3 gallons of satin or semi-gloss paint
This allows for complete 2-coat coverage on standard 8 foot walls. The actual amount can vary based on wall surface, quality of paint, application method and other factors. Measure carefully, calculate based on the paint’s coverage rate, and purchase all paint together. With proper prep and application, this quantity will provide flawless, consistent results. Use a paint calculator for convenience or consult a painting professional for project specific recommendations. Advanced planning will save you time, money and frustration when tackling a 12×12 room painting project.