How Much Paint for a Laundry Room?
A typical laundry room: 2 gallons for two coats. But this is the room where rounding up hurts most.
A typical 6x8 laundry room needs 2 gallons of paint for two coats. The exact requirement is only 1.07 gallons — you are 7 % over a single gallon and still have to buy a second. This is the most annoying rounding-up case in the house, and it is worth knowing before you get to the till.
Estimates only. Textured walls, high ceilings, sprayers and major colour changes can all increase the amount you need. Always buy slightly more than the calculation suggests.
Paint needed by laundry room size
| Room / surface | Surface | Coats | Paint | Paint cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small closet laundry, 5x6 | 134 sq ft | 2 | 1 gal | $35 |
| Standard laundry room, 6x8 | 188 sq ft | 2 | 2 gal | $70 |
| Standard laundry, one coat | 188 sq ft | 1 | 1 gal | $35 |
| Large laundry room, 8x10 | 237 sq ft | 2 | 2 gal | $70 |
| Standard laundry with ceiling | 236 sq ft | 2 | 2 gal | $70 |
Two coats at 350 sq ft per gallon, one door and one window.
The awkward rounding, and how to avoid it
A 6x8 laundry room has a perimeter of 28 feet. At 8-foot ceilings that is 224 square feet of wall, minus a door and a window, leaving 188 square feet.
Two coats is 376 square feet. At 350 square feet per gallon that is 1.07 gallons — which rounds up to 2. You are buying nearly a full gallon you will not use.
Two ways out. First, if you are refreshing the same colour, one coat needs only 188 square feet and a single gallon covers it comfortably. Second, if much of the wall is taken up by appliances and cabinets, measure the actual exposed wall and use the surface area mode — you may well come in under a gallon.
Which finish survives a laundry room
Laundry rooms combine moisture, heat, lint and detergent splashes. That rules out flat finishes entirely.
- Semi-gloss — the traditional choice. Wipes clean easily, stands up to humidity, and hides nothing. Good if your walls are in decent condition.
- Satin — slightly softer look, still washable. The better choice if the walls are imperfect.
- Mildew-resistant paint — worth it if the room has a dryer vented indoors or poor extraction.
Painting behind the appliances is optional, but do it while they are pulled out. You will never have the room that empty again.
Frequently asked questions
How much paint for a laundry room?
Usually 1 to 2 gallons. A 6x8 laundry room needs 1.07 gallons for two coats, which means buying 2 — unless you are recoating the same colour, where 1 gallon is enough.
Can I use bathroom paint in a laundry room?
Yes, and it is a good choice. Bathroom paint is formulated for moisture and mildew resistance, which is exactly what a laundry room needs.
Should I paint behind the washer and dryer?
It is optional, but do it while the appliances are out. It costs very little extra paint and makes future moves easier.