Inputs
Example data
Use these example values for a typical 10×12 ft kitchen. Click “Apply” to populate the form.
| Doors | Door H×W | Drawers | Drawer H×W | Shelves | Shelf D×W | Frames len×width | End panels | Coats P/Top | Coverage P/P | Waste% | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 28×14 in | 8 | 6×16 in | 10 | 12×24 in | 28 ft × 2 in | 2 @ 34.5×24 in | 1 / 2 | 300 / 350 | 10% |
Results
Formula used
- Rectangular area = height × width × sides.
- Edge area (optional) = perimeter × edge width.
- Face frame area = length × frame width.
- Adjusted area = (base + edges) × profile × sheen × substrate × method × environment × (1 + wastes).
- Volume = adjusted area × coats ÷ coverage.
- Labor hours ≈ (adjusted area × total coats) ÷ productivity.
- Imperial: in²→ft² ÷ 144, metric: cm²→m² ÷ 10,000.
How to use
- Select Imperial or Metric units.
- Enter component dimensions and counts, including edges if desired.
- Set coats, coverage rates, sheen, substrate, and environment.
- Optionally add sealer or clear topcoat coats and coverage.
- Enter costs, productivity, and dry time to estimate totals.
- Click Calculate, then export CSV or PDF for records.
Notes
- Coverage varies by brand, color, sheen, and substrate.
- Sprayers may require higher waste allowances due to overspray.
- Round up to full cans to avoid shortages during application.
Typical coverage and efficiencies
Reference values only. Always check the product label.
| Finish / System | Coverage (sq ft/gal) | Coverage (m²/L) | Practical rate (incl. waste) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonding primer | 250–350 | 6.1–8.6 | 220–300 | Improves adhesion on glossy or laminate surfaces. |
| Waterborne enamel | 300–400 | 7.4–9.8 | 260–340 | Fast dry, low odor; good for occupied homes. |
| Solvent enamel | 350–450 | 8.6–11.0 | 300–380 | Hard film; may require higher ventilation. |
| Clear topcoat (waterborne) | 400–500 | 9.8–12.3 | 340–430 | Adds durability; choose sheen to match finish. |
Color change and coats planning
Use as a planning guide; adjust for product opacity.
| Existing → New | Primer coats | Paint coats | Extra coats | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White → White | 0–1 | 1–2 | 0 | Use bonding primer if unknown previous finish. |
| Oak stain → Light color | 1–2 | 2 | 0–1 | Fill grain or add surfacing primer for smoothness. |
| Dark color → White | 1–2 | 2 | 1 | Tint primer toward finish color to reduce coats. |
| Laminate → Any color | 1 | 2 | 0 | Degloss, clean thoroughly, and use bonding primer. |
FAQs
How do I measure door and drawer area?
Measure height and width in selected units. Multiply to get one face. Multiply by painted sides. If including edges, add perimeter times edge width. Enter counts to scale totals.
How many coats should I plan?
Typical systems use one primer and two paint coats. For dark-to-light changes, add an extra paint coat. Use the color planning table to decide.
What do the profile, sheen, and substrate factors do?
They scale area to reflect detail, gloss, or open grain. Higher factors increase material needs. Use smooth slab baseline unless doors are profiled, glossy, or heavily grained.
How accurate are coverage numbers?
Coverage varies by brand, color, spray setup, and conditions. Start with label values. Adjust waste, method, environment, and sheen factors until results match your experience.
How is cost calculated?
The calculator multiplies required volume by your price per unit. Optional rounding adds cans to the next buyable size. Labor cost uses area, coats, productivity, and hourly rate.
What does “cleanup solvent” represent?
It estimates thinner or water used cleaning tools and sprayers. Enter a percentage of paint volume. It is added for budgeting, not applied to coverage calculations.
How do CSV and PDF exports work?
After calculating, use the export buttons. CSV saves a detailed table for spreadsheets. PDF captures the results card for printing or sharing. Both reflect your current inputs and settings.