How Much is a Gallon of Paint? (2023 Updated)?

Paints, like every other item on the market, have a price tag. This price may vary from vendor to vendor, from manufacturer to manufacturer, from quality to quality, and from geographical locations as the cost of transportation may be high, which can also affecting the price.

So, are you looking for a paint that is unique, durable, and at a fair price? Or are you looking to know which type of paint to buy? Then keep reading to learn more.

What is a Gallon of Paint?

Even in gallons, paints have different sizes, varying from small, medium, or large. A typical gallon of paint has a diameter of 6.5 inches, is 7.5 inches tall, and contains about 3.8 liters of paint.

Asides from gallons of paint, there are other sizes that are worth noting. These sizes include one quart, one pint, half a gallon, half a pint, and quarter pint paint sizes. Let us discuss them briefly.

• One Quart: This paint size is 4.88 inches tall, has a diameter of 4.25 inches, and holds about 0.95 liters of paint.
• One Pint: One-pint size carries about 0.47 liters of paint and has a dimension of 3 inches in height and 3.5 inches in diameter.
• Half Pint: This is a small-sized paint that houses only 0.25 liters of paint, is 3 inches in height, and is 2.88 inches in diameter.
• Half Gallon: Since a gallon contains and holds 3.8 liters of paint, a half gallon contains 1.9 liters, measures 5.88 inches in diameter, and 5.38 inches in height.
• Quarter Pint: This is the smallest paint size you can find anywhere. They measure 2 inches in height, 2.5 inches in diameter, and contain 0.14 liters of paint.

How Much Does a Gallon of Paint Cost?

Just as there are different sizes of paints, there are also other types of gallon paints, and the prices of these gallon paints depend on the type, that is, based on ingredients. These types include oil, bituminous, emulsion, and many others.

Types and Cost of Paint

Oil Paint

Oil paint comprises pigment particles suspended in a drying oil, most commonly linseed oil. The viscosity of the paint is changed by adding a solvent like turpentine or white spirit and varnish to improve the glossiness of the dried oil paint film.

Oil paints are also slow to dry; typically, a gallon of oil paint costs between $45 to $109.

Emulsion Paint

Emulsion paint is a water-based paint that contains tiny polymer particles containing pigments. The pigment particles are suspended in water. When the paint dries, the particles combine to form a paint film on the wall. You can use emulsion paint on a home’s exterior and interior.

This type of paint requires a thinning agent, water, which causes it to dry quickly and get a smooth finish on the wall. A gallon of emulsion paint costs $49 to $109 on Amazon.

Enamel Paint

Enamel paint is a type of paint that air-dries to a hard, usually glossy finish and is used to coat surfaces exposed to harsh weather or temperature fluctuations.

It is formulated for durability and is used mainly on chairs, tables, doors, moldings, or any outdoor or indoor furniture. Enamel paint can be water- or oil-based, and with how they are formulated, enamel paint on surfaces can enable easy cleaning with the right ingredients.

For water-based enamel paint, you can clean up stains using just water; for oil-based enamel paint, you can use mineral spirit to clean stains off. An enamel paint of 3.8 l costs around $58.99 per gallon.

Bituminous Paint

Bituminous paint is a bitumen-based aesthetic mixture typically diluted with mineral spirits. It is a type of industrial paint applied to concrete, asphalt, metal, wood, and pipes as an exterior coating, sealant, and waterproofing agent. It makes the fabric more weather resistant.

Although it is entirely waterproof, you should not use this in areas or on surfaces that are exposed to sunlight because it begins to deteriorate in sunlight.

Bitumen paint is a low-cost, anti-corrosive, protective coating that can be applied to various building materials. A gallon of bitumen paint costs $139.

Aluminum Paint

Aluminum paint is made from a mixture of oil varnish and thin solid flakes of aluminum pigment. The combination of the oil varnish and thin slivers of aluminum gives the paint a luster and metallic shine.

Since aluminum paint is water-permeable, it is used to paint gates, metal grills, roofs, and pipes. You can get a gallon of aluminum paint between $93 to $207 on Amazon.

Cement Paint

Cement paint is a water-based paint that is used on the exterior or interior of a building, including brickwork and concrete. It is used to paint exterior wall surfaces to prevent water penetration and dirt accumulation. It can be used to coat concrete and decorate indoor and outdoor walls.

The average cost of cement paint starts from $26 on Amazon.

Determining How Many Gallons of Paint You Need for a Space

Figuring out how many gallons of paint you need just before purchasing new ones is essential. You do not want to purchase too much or too little. Buying too much would mean leaving the remainder to go bad, and purchasing too little would mean having to order more paint, which to be honest, can be very discouraging.

So, to avoid this, follow the steps or techniques shared below, as this will help guide your buying decision.

Measure the Length of the Wall

Grab a tape measure and place it on one side of the wall. Ensure it is firmly placed, then drag the tape measure horizontally to the other end of the wall. You might need someone else to help you get your numbers correct.

Also, you can take more measurements to ensure an accurate figure. Then, repeat the same process and all sides of the walls you intend to paint.

Measure the Height of the Wall

Place the same tape measure at the bottom or top of the wall, and this time, pull the tape measure vertically. Write down an accurate measurement after measurement.

Multiply the Length by the Height of the Wall

The importance of multiplying the length by the height of the wall is to get the total surface area of a particular side of the wall. It is also crucial that you measure all sides of the wall, as all sides of your wall may have different measurements.

Add the Surface Area Figure from all Sides of the Wall

Add the surface areas you calculated previously for each wall using a calculator to determine the total surface area. The figure obtained may not be the exact figure of the surface to be painted, but it is an excellent guide to knowing how many gallons of paint you might need.

Measure and Calculate the Area of the Door and Windows

Using your tape measure, determine the width and height of any doors as well as the width and height of each window in your space. Next, add the measurements for each structure to obtain each structure’s total surface area.

Do the Mathematics

Consider that your walls have a total surface area of 53.5m², have two windows that are each 1.4m², and have a door that is 1.9m². The total area is 48.9m² after deducting the 4.6m² of doors and windows from the initial 53.5m².

Multiply the Total By 2

This step is only valid if you intend to coat the painting twice. So, if the total surface area of the walls, windows, and doors amounts to 53.5m², you are expected to multiply that number by 2. That is 53.5m² X 2, which equals 107m².

Divide the Total Square by 33m² to 37m²

A gallon of paint can cover approximately 33 to 37m² of wall space. Divide your total square footage by 350 to 400 to get an accurate estimate of how many gallons of paint you’ll need for your project. To be safe, divide the total surface area by 350.

Where to Get Quality Gallon Paints At Fair Prices

After stating the prices of gallons of different paints and how to determine how many would be enough, it is only wise to also share with you where you can get suitable quality gallon paints and at fair prices too.

The Local Store

Going to the local store around you might be the best option you could choose. For one, delivery fees are not attached to shopping at the local store. You also get to see different paint options physically before deciding which to purchase.

Local stores usually sell a gallon of paint for about $13. You can check out a local store, at least, first before you shop online.

Amazon

Amazon is an online shopping center with a wide range of products, from books, clothes, filming gear, makeup, accessories, household appliances, and in this case, gallons of paint from different manufacturers. On Amazon, gallons of paint vary from low to high prices at $8 and $139, respectively.

eBay

eBay is another online shopping platform that allows individual business owners to market their products on their online store.

It houses thousands, if not millions, of goods posted daily, all to find consumers/customers. On eBay, you can find goods at very fair prices. You can find a gallon of paint on eBay for $55.

Etsy

Etsy is a fast-trending shopping platform that, like eBay, allows individual business owners to upload whatever they have up for sale on their stores. These business owners are given guidelines to maintain, so rest assured that shopping on Etsy is safe.

To buy a gallon of paint on Etsy, you need to have about $49 handy, as that is the average price you can find it for.

Walmart

Walmart is a multinational retail corporation based in the United States that operates a chain of supermarkets (also known as marts), discount department stores, and grocery stores.

It is one of the most well-known stores in the United States and can also serve as a local store due to the various stores planted in multiple locations.

Although it has physical locations, there is the option to shop online and deliver it through a delivery system. At Walmart, a gallon of paint costs about $13 to $31.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does One Gallon of Paint Cover?

A gallon of paint will typically cover 350 to 400 square feet. This means a gallon of paint will cover a small area, such as a bathroom or a small storeroom. This is dependent on the number of coats you intend to apply.

How Many Coats of Paint is Advisable?

Generally, the recommended paint application is a minimum of two coats of paint for any wall or ceiling painted. One coat of paint rarely produces a seamless finish because it is usually too thin and does not produce an appealing or aesthetically pleasing outlook.

Is it Advisable to Paint Over Old Paint?

You can paint over the existing wall if it is smooth, clean, and covered with the same type of paint. If necessary, scrape off damaged parts and fill holes before painting over them.

Final Words

A gallon of paint costs between $15 and $200, depending on whether you buy it locally or online. And while there are various types, as stated in the article, it is ultimately up to you to decide which price, type, or quality you want to go with.

We hope you found this article helpful, and please notify us if you have any questions. If you do, please leave a comment, and we will respond.