Which sort of paint do you need?
A paint calculator sounds great, but remember that before you even start to do your calculations, there are at least 30 different types of paint available for different situations. So always make sure you are using the correct one. If you're not sure which one you should be using, then get advice from a professional.
For interior walls the most common sort is emulsion, but even this comes in a number of variations.
For woodwork such as doors and window sills, oil-based paints are often used because they give a tough surface when dry
Coverage
Coverage is normally given on the can and gives an indication of the area the paint will cover.
But be aware this is a general guide, and not an absolute value!
How much coverage you can get from a given quantity of paint depends on how porous the wall surface is. A very porous surface will absorb far more paint than a less porous one. A newly plastered wall will soak up paint like a sponge!
If you are using more than one coat, the first coat will usually need more paint than subsequent coats. If you use a primer or undercoat, you'll probably need less paint for the top coats.
Whenever you use a paint calculator you need to remember these points, and not just blindly use the results.
Quantity
Don't try to cut down on the amount of paint you need. Its better to have some left over than find you don't have enough to finish the job. There can be slight variations in paint color from one batch to the next, especially if you have the paint mixed for you at the store.
Its also useful to have some paint left over in case you need to need to touch up the surfaces later on if they get marked or scratched.
Follow the instructions!
The main reason why paint finishes don't look as good as they should is when the instructions are not followed. So don't assume you know what to do - take time to read the instructions and recommendations that come with the paint.
Preparation of the surfaces to be painted is vital. Don't imagine that paint allows you to cover up defects. All that will do is ampilfy the defect. Perparation is the key to a professional finish.
- Don't try to make do with less paint than you need.
- Make sure you use the correct paint for the situation.
- Always read the instructions.
Decor Calc Software
Decor Calc is software which we have specially commissioned. We couldn't find a compact, easy to use product which would run on Windows, Macs, and small enough to fit on Notebook screens. One of its sections is a first rate paint calculator.
Here is a screen shot of the Paint screen from Decor Calc.
All you have to do is enter the sizes of your areas (using feet/inches or metres), input the details of the paint, and the number of cans you'll need will be shown instantly. You can also change the number of coats, and again, the number of cans will be instantly updated.
There's a section for 'Non paintable areas'. So if you wanted to paint the walls of your room, you don't have to do complicated subtractions in your head, or get out a pen and paper. Just put in the measurements of the walls, then in the 'Non paintable area' section put in the sizes of windows, doors, etc which won't be painted. The software will automatically subtract these areas from the wall areas.
This paint calculator also gives you the option to select how many areas there are of a given size. Most rooms are rectangular, so once you have entered in the size for a wall, the opposite wall will usually be the same size. So just select '2' for the 'No. of Areas This Size', and the software takes care of the second wall.
You can use the same for doors. Suppose you had three doors in your room and you are painting the walls. Once you have entered the size for one door in the 'Non paintable areas' section, just select '3' for the 'No. of Areas This Size'.
Try the free demo version!
You can see how the software works by going to the Decor Calc page and downloading the free demo version.
Use your head!
The paint calculator doesn't just tell you the number of cans you need. It gives you more information so you can make informed decisions.
Decor Calc will tell you how many cans you need to two decimal places. So if you've filled in the price per can, the number of cans required and the total price will be displayed, eg. 4 cans at a total cost of 60.00.
But you'll also be told the exact quantity, for example, 3.10 cans. This tells you that if you were careful, you might just manage with 3 cans. So if your surfaces were very porous and therefore absorb a lot of paint, you'd be best to stick to the 4 cans. But if the surfaces were not porous, you might easily manage with 3 cans.
Not just a paint calculator
Decor Calc isn't just a paint calculator, it helps you with calculations for wallpaper, tiles and curtain fabric as well. The demo is free to download. So go to the Decor Calc download page and give it a try.
