How much paint do you need? Here's how to decide:

Find the surface area of the room. Measure the area you will be painting -- the walls and ceiling. Multiply the length and width to get the surface area.

Check your paint manufacturer for details on how much each can will cover. A good paint typically will cover at least 300 square feet per gallon.

Tips:

• Always buy a little extra in case of mistakes and spills. That way you'll have paint for touch ups later.
• If you are having a special color mixed, make sure it's written on the can for future reference.
• Keep a written log of what color paint and what type of paint you use in each room.