How many square feet does a spray paint can cover?

A standard 12 oz spray paint can covers 15-20 sq ft per coat. Primer covers less (~12 sq ft), while clear coat stretches to 25 sq ft. Always buy 10-20% extra for waste and touch-ups.

How many coats of spray paint do I need?

For solid coverage: 2-3 coats minimum. Dark colors over light surfaces may need 4 coats. Metallic paints often need 3-4 coats for even shimmer. Primer + 2 color coats + 1 clear coat is the standard.

🎨 Spray Paint Calculator

Surface Area (sq ft): Number of Coats: Paint Type:

-- Cans

Includes 10% waste factor

💡 Spray Paint Coverage Tips

1. Surface Prep Matters: Rough surfaces (wood, textured plastic) absorb more paint—add 20% extra cans. Smooth metal uses less.

2. Temperature Affects Coverage: Below 50°F, spray paint atomizes poorly and you'll use 30% more paint for the same coverage. Ideal temp: 65-85°F.

3. Don't Overbuy Exact Matches: Different production batches can vary slightly in color. Buy all cans from the same shelf/lot to ensure color consistency.

4. Thin Coats Win: Multiple thin coats (5-6 inches away, sweeping motion) prevent drips and use less paint than one thick coat.