Primer Coverage Calculator

Calculate how much primer you need based on surface area, surface type, and whether you are covering stains or changing colors.

Results

Visualization

How It Works

Primer seals the surface and helps paint adhere. New drywall is porous and needs PVA primer (~300 sq ft/gal). Bare wood needs oil-based or shellac primer (~250 sq ft/gal). Stain blocking (water stains, smoke, marker) requires shellac primer. Already-painted walls only need primer when changing dramatically in color.