Kitchen paint by size (walls, two coats, before cabinets)
| Kitchen | Wall sq ft | Gallons | Buy this | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10 × 10) | 250 | 1.43 | 1 gallon + 2 quarts | $85 |
| Medium (10 × 12) | 282 | 1.61 | 2 gallons | $90 |
| Large (12 × 15) | 362 | 2.07 | 2 gallons + 1 quart | $110 |
Each assumes 8 ft walls, two openings of door size (20 sq ft) and two windows (15 sq ft each). Upper cabinets usually cover 20 to 30 sq ft of wall per run: measure yours and subtract using the extra “door” count, or enter the wall as a custom wall in the wall paint calculator.
Kitchen paint tips
- Walls near the stove get greasy: clean and scuff before painting.
- A washable semi-gloss or satin is common; check its coverage on the can.
- Painting cabinets? Estimate them as area (doors and fronts, both sides) in the square footage calculator.
Estimates only. Check your paint can’s label for coverage. Prices are typical 2026 US figures; use your store’s.