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Basement Paint Calculator

This basement preset assumes finished new drywall in a dry basement and includes PVA primer. Bare concrete or block is a different surface with product-specific preparation and coverage, so use the coating label and enter its coverage rate instead of relying on this drywall preset.

Pre-Calculated Paint Estimate

5

gallons

Low 3.6 gal
Likely 4.0 gal
High 4.6 gal

This range covers 493 square feet with 2 coats. The likely estimate is 3.52 gallons before the selected buffer. If you are buying whole gallons, plan on 5.

Primer Needed 2 gallons
View Detailed Breakdown
Wall Area:560 sq ft
Deductions:-67 sq ft
Net Paintable Area:493 sq ft
Base Coverage Rate:400 sq ft/gal
Adjusted Coverage:280 sq ft/gal
With 2 Coats:986 sq ft needed
+ 15% Waste Buffer:+0.53 gal
Primer (1 coat):2 gal

Based on a 20x15 ft room with 8-ft ceilings, 1 door(s), and 4 window(s). Paint at 400 sq ft/gallon with a 15% buffer.

See the formula and assumptions

Your paint run

20x15 ft basement, 2 coats

Paint5 gal
Primer2 gal

Supplies for this room

Wall area 493 sq ft

Picked from the inputs above. Links go to Amazon and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details

Hiring a painter for this room usually runs $750 to $1,850, paint included. Prices vary with where you live and the condition of the walls. See how painters price a room.

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Use moisture-blocking primer first. Consider waterproofing paint for below-grade walls. Add 30% extra for concrete block.

Before using the preset

Measure this room without the usual shortcuts

The result above is a worked example using the dimensions and openings shown in the breakdown. Use these room-specific checks before treating it as a shopping quantity.

  1. Identify the substrate first. Finished drywall, painted masonry, and bare block should not share one coverage assumption.
  2. Check for active leaks, efflorescence, or damp areas before measuring for paint. A coating is not a repair for water entry.
  3. Measure small foundation windows and utility-room openings separately. This preset includes two standard and two small windows.
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Tips for This Room

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Waterproofing Primer

Moisture-blocking primer that seals concrete and masonry basement walls.

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Mold-Resistant Paint

Basement-grade paint with built-in mold and mildew protection for below-grade walls.

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Paint Supplies

Rollers, brushes, tape, and drop cloths for basement painting projects.

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Product links go to Amazon.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How much paint do I need for a basement?

This 20x15 finished-drywall preset uses about 4.1 gallons for two coats, so it rounds to 5 gallons of finish paint, plus 2 gallons of PVA primer. For concrete block, use the coverage rate and preparation instructions printed on the masonry coating you select.

Do I need special paint for basement walls?

Use a coating approved for the actual substrate and conditions. Finished drywall in a dry basement can use a suitable interior wall paint. Bare or previously coated masonry needs a compatible masonry system, and active water entry must be corrected before painting.

Can I paint basement walls without primer?

New drywall needs an appropriate drywall primer. Bare masonry and previously coated masonry require the preparation and primer specified by the coating manufacturer. A sound, clean, previously painted drywall surface may not always need a separate primer.

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