Primer vs Extra Coat Cost Calculator

Compare a primer-plus-paint plan with additional finish coats after coverage, waste, material prices and the value of painting time.

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Paintable area (sq ft)Primer price / gallon ($)Primer coverage (sq ft / gal)Paint price / gallon ($)Paint coverage (sq ft / gal)Finish coats with primerFinish coats without primerLabor hours per finish coatPrimer labor hoursValue of time / hour ($)Waste / touch-up (%)

Enter your assumptions, then compare the options.

USE THE RESULT AS A DECISION BOUNDARY

Try a conservative set of assumptions before acting. If a small change flips the recommendation, compare both outcomes rather than treating the result as certain.