When it comes to home improvement projects, one of the most common questions is “how much will a quart of paint cover?” The answer depends on several factors, including the type of paint, the surface being painted, and the application method. Keep reading to learn more about how much area a quart of paint will cover in different situations.
What is a Quart of Paint?
First, let’s define what a quart of paint is. A quart is a unit of volume equal to 32 fluid ounces or 0.946 liters. When purchasing paint, quarts are a very common size container along with gallons, pints, and sample sizes.
Most quart-sized cans of paint from major brands hold about 0.84 quarts of paint when full. The rest of the can is headspace to allow for stirring and painting. So when estimating coverage, you can assume you have about 0.8-0.9 quarts of paint in a new quart-sized can.
Factors That Determine Paint Coverage
There are several factors that determine how far paint will spread when applied to a surface:
- Type of paint – The type of paint makes a big difference in coverage. For example, interior latex paints cover more area than oil-based paints per quart.
- Paint quality – Higher quality paints often provide better coverage and may cover more square footage.
- Surface material – Rough and porous surfaces require more paint than smooth, sealed surfaces.
- Surface preparation – Proper prep by cleaning, sanding, patching, etc improves coverage.
- Primer use – Applying primer first provides better coverage for topcoat paint.
- Application method – Brushing vs rolling vs spraying changes how efficiently paint is applied.
- Number of coats – Additional coats of paint increase the total coverage but each coat covers less.
- Desired film thickness – Thicker films require more paint than thin coats.
Taking these factors into account allows you to dial in a more accurate estimate of how much area a quart will cover for your specific painting project.
How Much Will a Quart of Interior Latex Paint Cover?
For basic interior painting using a standard quality latex-based wall paint, a quart will cover approximately:
- 350-400 square feet when painting over previously painted surfaces
- 300-350 square feet when painting over unpainted drywall
- 200-300 square feet when painting over more porous surfaces like plaster, concrete, or wood
These estimates are for one coat of paint applied with a roller at about 2-3 mils wet film thickness. Using a primer first or applying multiple coats would reduce the total square footage covered per quart.
Factors to Consider for Interior Latex Paint
The condition of the surface you are painting makes a big impact on coverage. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Primed new drywall will extend coverage
- Dark colors often cover less area because they are more opaque
- Smooth drywall boards cover better than heavily textured walls
- Sealed concrete requires less paint than bare concrete
- Previously painted surfaces in good condition improve coverage
Also consider the manufacturer’s labeled coverage rate per gallon, and divide that amount by 4 to get an approximate rate per quart.
How Much Will a Quart of Exterior Latex Paint Cover?
For exterior surfaces painted with latex paint, a quart will cover about:
- 250-300 square feet when painting wood siding
- 300-350 square feet when painting stucco
- 350-400 square feet when painting smooth masonry
These estimates are for properly prepared surfaces, primed first if staining is an issue, and painted with one coat at about 3-4 mils wet thickness.
Factors to Consider for Exterior Latex Paint
Exterior surfaces can vary more widely than interiors. Here are some factors that change coverage:
- Rough surfaces like brick require more paint than smooth stucco
- Paint absorbs more on porous surfaces like concrete and wood
- Cracked wood siding needs extra paint to coat edges
- Darker colors show imperfections and often need an extra coat
- Previously painted surfaces extend coverage if intact
Read the manufacturer’s coverage rate on the label and divide by 4 to estimate quarts, adjusting for your specific surface.
How Much Will a Quart of Interior Oil-Based Paint Cover?
For interior surfaces painted with oil-based enamels, a quart will cover about:
- 250-300 square feet when painting over sealed surfaces
- 200-250 square feet when painting over unsealed wood
- 150-200 square feet when painting concrete or masonry
As with latex paints, these numbers are based on properly prepared surfaces, primed if necessary, with one coat of paint applied by brush or roller.
Factors to Consider for Interior Oil-Based Paint
There are several factors that can impact coverage with oil-based paints:
- Additional coats will reduce total coverage per quart
- Porous surfaces like raw wood require more paint
- White and light tints cover better than darker colors
- Smooth drywall takes less paint than textured walls
- Previously painted surfaces in good condition improve coverage
Check the manufacturer’s stated coverage rate per gallon and divide by 4 to estimate coverage per quart.
How Much Will a Quart of Exterior Oil-Based Paint Cover?
When painting exterior surfaces with oil-based paints, a quart will cover about:
- 150-200 sq ft when painting unsealed wood siding
- 200-250 sq ft when painting hard masonry surfaces
- 250-300 sq ft when painting metal railings and trim
These estimates are based on properly prepared surfaces, primed if staining is an issue, with one coat applied by brush or roller.
Factors that Impact Exterior Oil-Based Paint
Here are some important factors that change how far oil-based exterior paints will spread:
- Additional coats greatly reduce total coverage per quart
- Sealed or previously painted surfaces improve coverage
- Paint absorbs more on porous surfaces like wood and concrete
- Smooth surfaces like metal and vinyl cover better than rough surfaces
- Darker colors often require an extra coat for proper hiding
Consult manufacturer coverage rates and adjust for your specific project based on condition, preparation, weather, and other factors.
How to Estimate Paint Coverage
To estimate how much area a quart of paint will cover for your specific project:
- Identify surface type – wood, drywall, concrete, etc.
- Consider surface condition – sealed, primed, previously painted, etc.
- Determine number of coats needed for your finish.
- Look up base estimate for your paint type and surface above.
- Adjust estimate based on specific factors that increase or decrease coverage.
- Read manufacturer’s coverage rate per gallon and divide by 4 for quarts.
- Buy paint and apply to test area to confirm coverage.
- Adjust amount purchased based on actual coverage of test area.
Testing your actual coverage on a sample section is wise to dial in the right amount of paint to buy. This helps avoid running out of paint or having too much leftover.
How to Maximize Paint Coverage
To get the most area covered per quart of paint, follow these tips:
- Clean surfaces thoroughly and repair any damage
- Sand glossy surfaces to improve adhesion
- Apply primer to bare wood, drywall, and masonry
- Caulk cracks and fill holes to create a smooth surface
- Use high quality premium paints for better coverage
- Apply an even coat using overlapping strokes
- Maintain a wet edge and work quickly to avoid lap marks
- Follow manufacturer’s thinning recommendations
- Use the right nap size roller cover for your surface
- Plan your painting strategically to avoid re-coating areas
While following all preparation and application best practices takes more time, you’ll use less paint in the long run and get better looking results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the color or sheen affect coverage?
Yes, darker colors often require an extra coat for full opacity and sheens like satin provide better coverage than flat.
How much wall can I paint with 1 quart?
One quart will typically cover about 350 sq ft of smooth drywall or plaster walls using a latex paint.
Is it better to use quarts or gallons?
For large jobs, gallons are more efficient and cost effective. For small projects, quarts allow you to avoid waste.
Should I use a primer?
Priming raw drywall, wood, and masonry improves paint coverage and adhesion. Some latex paints now contain primers.
How precise do I need to be when estimating?
It’s always smart to buy a little extra paint instead of running short. Leftover paint comes in handy for future touch ups.
| Paint Type | Surface | Sq Ft Covered Per Quart |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Latex | Previously Painted Drywall | 350-400 |
| Interior Latex | Unpainted Drywall | 300-350 |
| Interior Latex | Plaster or Wood | 200-300 |
| Exterior Latex | Wood Siding | 250-300 |
| Exterior Latex | Stucco | 300-350 |
| Exterior Latex | Masonry | 350-400 |
| Interior Oil-Based | Sealed Surface | 250-300 |
| Interior Oil-Based | Wood | 200-250 |
| Interior Oil-Based | Concrete/Masonry | 150-200 |
| Exterior Oil-Based | Unsealed Wood | 150-200 |
| Exterior Oil-Based | Masonry | 200-250 |
| Exterior Oil-Based | Metal | 250-300 |
Conclusion
Estimating paint coverage is part science and part art. The condition of your surfaces, type of paint, application method, and other factors all contribute to how far your paint will spread. With some general coverage guidelines, understanding your specific project needs, and testing, you can determine approximately how much area a quart of paint will cover.
