Car Paint Calculator
Calculate how much paint you need for your vehicle. Estimate primer, basecoat, and clear coat quantities with cost estimator. Perfect for DIY painters and professionals.
Average mid-size sedan needs: 1-1.5 gal primer + 1.5-2 gal basecoat + 1-1.5 gal clear coat
Total cost range: $1,500 - $5,000 depending on quality and prep work
🚗 Vehicle & Paint Details
Recommended: 3 coats
15-20% is typical for HVLP spray guns
💡 Tip: Check your paint's Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for exact coverage rates. Metallic and pearl colors typically cover 10-15% less than solid colors.
🎨 Paint Required
Total Paint Needed
5.34 quarts • 5.05 liters
Calculation Breakdown
🛒 Purchase Recommendation
Buy 6 quarts (2 gallons) to ensure you have enough for touch-ups and mistakes.
🎨 Complete Guide to Automotive Paint
Whether you're restoring a classic car, refreshing your daily driver, or customizing a project vehicle, understanding how much paint you need is crucial for a successful paint job. This calculator helps you estimate the exact quantities of primer, basecoat, and clear coat required for your project.
Understanding Paint Systems
Modern automotive paint typically uses a basecoat/clearcoat system. The basecoat provides the color, while the clearcoat adds gloss and UV protection. This two-stage system offers better durability and easier repairs compared to older single-stage paints.
🎨 Paint Layer Order
- Surface Prep: Sanding, cleaning, masking
- Primer/Sealer: Promotes adhesion, fills imperfections
- Basecoat: Your chosen color (multiple coats)
- Clearcoat: Protection, gloss, UV resistance
Factors Affecting Paint Coverage
Several factors influence how much paint you'll actually need. Paint color matters significantly - white, yellow, and red colors typically require more coats than black or dark colors. Metallic and pearlpaints have lower coverage due to the flakes in the formula. Your spray technique and equipment also affect efficiency - HVLP guns waste less paint than conventional guns.
DIY vs Professional Paint Jobs
A professional paint job costs $1,500-$10,000+ but includes expert surface preparation, proper spray booths, and warranties. DIY painting can save 50-70% on labor costs, but requires investment in equipment, proper workspace, and significant time. For your first project, consider starting with a practice panel or secondary vehicle to develop your technique.
🎨 Quick Facts
Avg Coverage: 350 sq ft/gal
Typical Coats: 2-3 per layer
Waste Factor: 15-20%
Dry Time: 10-15 min between coats
💡 Pro Tips
• Always shake/stir paint thoroughly
• Strain paint before spraying
• Keep spray gun 6-8 inches from surface
• 50% overlap on each pass
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Frequently Asked Questions
To calculate paint needed: 1) Determine your vehicle's surface area (typically 100-250 sq ft depending on size), 2) Divide by the paint's coverage rate (usually 300-400 sq ft/gallon for basecoat), 3) Multiply by the number of coats (2-3 for basecoat), 4) Add 15-20% for waste/overspray. For example, a mid-size sedan (145 sq ft) with 3 coats of basecoat at 350 sq ft/gal coverage: (145 × 3) ÷ 350 × 1.15 = 1.43 gallons.
A full car repaint costs between $500 and $20,000+ depending on quality. Basic paint jobs (single coat, minimal prep) run $500-$1,500. Standard quality (proper prep, 2-stage paint) costs $1,500-$3,500. Premium jobs (extensive prep, high-quality paint) range from $3,500-$7,000. Show-quality or custom paint jobs can exceed $10,000-$20,000. Factors affecting cost include vehicle size, paint quality, color change, surface repairs needed, and labor rates in your area.
A typical car hood requires about 1-2 quarts (0.25-0.5 gallons) of basecoat for full coverage. The average hood is 15-25 square feet. With 2-3 coats of basecoat and accounting for overspray, plan for: 1 quart of primer, 1-2 quarts of basecoat, and 1 quart of clear coat. For metallic or pearl colors, you may need slightly more due to lower coverage rates.
Single-stage paint combines color and gloss in one product - it's simpler and cheaper but less durable. Basecoat/clearcoat is a 2-stage system where color (basecoat) is applied first, then protected with a clear layer. The 2-stage system offers better durability, deeper shine, UV protection, and easier repairs. Most modern vehicles use basecoat/clearcoat systems. Single-stage is often used for budget restorations or commercial vehicles.
A professional paint job typically requires: 2-3 coats of primer/sealer for proper adhesion and surface prep, 2-3 coats of basecoat for complete color coverage (more for lighter colors or metallics), and 2-3 coats of clear coat for protection and gloss. Allow proper flash time between coats (usually 10-15 minutes). Some colors like red, yellow, and white may require additional coats due to lower hiding power.
Vinyl wrapping typically costs $2,500-$5,000 for a full vehicle, making it comparable to a standard paint job. Wraps are reversible, protect original paint, and offer unique finishes. However, wraps last 5-7 years vs. 10-15+ years for quality paint. Paint is better for damaged surfaces needing repair. For color changes or temporary modifications, wrapping may be more economical. For long-term ownership and classic cars, paint is usually preferred.
Several factors affect how much area paint covers: Paint type (primers cover less than clear coats), Color (whites and yellows cover less than blacks), Metallic content (flakes reduce coverage), Application method (HVLP guns are more efficient than conventional), Surface condition (porous surfaces absorb more), Temperature and humidity, Spray technique and distance, and Reduction ratio. Always buy 10-20% more than calculated to account for these variables.
🎨 Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Actual paint requirements may vary based on surface condition, spray technique, paint brand, temperature, humidity, and other factors. Always consult your paint manufacturer's Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for specific coverage rates. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location and shop.