Paint Selection & Planning
The selection / how-to / reference cluster: a sheen & finish selector, a paint-type-by-surface reference, a how-to-measure-for-paint calculator (smallest of three), a prep & primer planning reference (with the pre-1978 lead-paint / EPA RRP flag), and a coats & drying-time reference. Labeled planning typicals — confirm on the paint can and the manufacturer’s data.
Measure your actual surfaces and confirm coverage against the paint you buy. Rough or porous surfaces, a big color change and extra coats all use more paint — allow extra for texture, porosity and waste, and round up to whole gallons/quarts. Coverage varies by product and surface; read the can’s stated spread rate.
Typical published planning values — NOT a certified spec or professional advice. Coverage and coats vary by product, surface, texture and color; confirm on the paint can’s stated spread rate and the manufacturer’s data. Surface prep, moisture/adhesion and pre-1978 lead paint are a pro’s call — follow the EPA RRP rule and hire a certified firm; lead-paint abatement, structural repairs and code certification are not engineered here.
Sheen & Finish SelectorChoose the right paint sheen for each surface — flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss or gloss — by room and use, with a labeled planning chart and the reason why.Paint Type by Surface ReferenceMatch the paint type to the surface — latex, enamel, exterior acrylic, masonry or floor enamel — with a labeled planning chart, a worked pick and why.How to Measure for PaintMeasure a room for paint the reliable way: perimeter times the smallest wall height, minus doors and windows, rounded up — with a worked example and checklist.Prep & Primer Planning ReferenceKnow when to prime before you paint — bare drywall, patches, stains, gloss or a dark-to-light change — plus the pre-1978 lead-paint flag and an EPA RRP note.Coats & Drying-Time ReferenceHow many coats of paint you need by scenario and the typical recoat window — from a like-color refresh to a dark-to-light change — a labeled planning chart.
Every Paint Selection & Planning tool is calculated server-side — visible immediately — with its formula, a worked example and a reference table, and works on the surfaces you measure and the prices you enter from your own quotes. Background reading is in the guides.