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Wood Stain Calculator

Surface Area (sq ft)

Wood (1=smooth,2=rough,3=cedar)

Coats

Paint Type

Surface Condition

Waste Factor

Result

—gallons

◆ LIVE 3D PREVIEW

Coverage

—

Prep Needed

—

How to Calculate Stain

Use this free stain calculator to get instant, accurate results for your construction project. Simply enter your measurements above and the calculator will automatically compute the result using industry-standard formulas.

Pro Tip: Always add 10-15% extra material to account for waste, cuts, and job-site conditions. This is standard practice recommended by experienced contractors.

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▸ Concrete Stain ▸ Deck Stain ▸ 2x4 ▸ 3 4 5 Rule ▸ Ac Size ▸ Ac Tonnage

💡 Pro Tips — Stain

1 gallon covers ~350-400 sqft on smooth surfaces, less on textured walls.
New drywall absorbs paint — always prime first or use paint+primer combo.
2 coats minimum for color changes. Dark over light may need 3 coats.
Quality matters: Premium paint ($35-50/gal) covers better and lasts 10+ years vs cheap paint needing recoating in 3-5.
Temperature: Paint between 50-85°F. Don't paint in direct sunlight or high humidity.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

+How much area does a gallon cover?

350-400 sq ft on smooth surfaces with one coat. Textured walls reduce coverage by 20%. Porous surfaces like new drywall may need more.

+Do I need primer?

Yes for: new drywall, dark to light color changes, covering stains, or switching between oil-based and latex paint.

+How many coats do I need?

Minimum 2 coats for best coverage. Use 3 for dramatic color changes. Quality paints often cover in fewer coats.

+What sheen for which room?

Flat: ceilings. Eggshell: living rooms, bedrooms. Satin: hallways, kids rooms. Semi-gloss: kitchens, bathrooms. Gloss: trim, doors.

Wood Stain Calculator

How to Calculate Stain

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💡 Pro Tips — Stain

❓ Frequently Asked Questions