How Much Paint Does a Kitchen Need?
Kitchens are more complex to paint than other rooms because cabinets, appliances, and backsplash tiles cover a significant portion of the wall area. A standard 12x10 kitchen has approximately 352 square feet of gross wall area with 9ft ceilings. After deducting one door, two windows, and upper cabinet coverage, the paintable area is typically around 250 to 280 square feet.
At 400 square feet per gallon with two coats, a standard kitchen needs about 1.4 to 1.5 gallons. Most homeowners buy 2 gallons to ensure full coverage and have extra for touch-ups. A large open-plan kitchen measuring 14x16 or bigger will need 2.5 to 3 gallons for two coats.
In litres, a standard kitchen needs 5 to 7 litres for two coats. A 5 litre tin is the standard purchase for most kitchens. Buy an additional 2.5 litre tin if your kitchen is larger than 12x14 or has very high ceilings.
Kitchen Paint Calculator — Reference Table
| Kitchen Size | 1 Coat | 2 Coats | Litres (2 coats) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8x10 (small) | 0.7 gal | 1.4 gal | ~5 litres |
| 10x12 (medium) | 0.85 gal | 1.7 gal | ~6.5 litres |
| 12x10 (standard) | 0.9 gal | 1.8 gal | ~7 litres |
| 12x14 (large) | 1.1 gal | 2.2 gal | ~8 litres |
| 14x16 (open plan) | 1.4 gal | 2.8 gal | ~10.5 litres |
Best Paint Finish for a Kitchen
Semi-gloss is the best finish for kitchen walls. Kitchens generate grease, steam, and splatter daily — semi-gloss wipes clean without damaging the paint film. It also reflects more light which makes kitchens feel brighter and larger.
Satin is a popular alternative for homeowners who find semi-gloss too shiny. Avoid eggshell or flat finishes on kitchen walls — they cannot handle the scrubbing that kitchen walls require.
Best Paint Colours for a Kitchen in 2026
White and off-white remain the most popular kitchen wall colours. Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117) is the most popular kitchen white — warm, clean, and pairs perfectly with both white and wood cabinets. Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036) works well in kitchens with strong afternoon light. Behr Pale Yellow (330C-2) brings warmth to north-facing kitchens lacking natural light.
Tips for Painting a Kitchen
Degrease walls before painting. Wipe every wall with TSP cleaner or sugar soap. Paint applied over grease will peel within months.
Remove cabinet doors for easy painting. Takes 20 minutes and makes the job significantly cleaner and faster.
Use semi-gloss near the stove. The area within 3 feet of the stove should always be semi-gloss due to heavy grease and heat exposure.
Tape appliances carefully. Cover refrigerators, dishwashers, and stoves with drop cloths before rolling walls.
Buy 10% extra for kitchens. Awkward angles around cabinets cause more waste than standard rooms.
Related Paint Calculators
- Bathroom Paint Calculator →
- Bedroom Paint Calculator →
- Living Room Paint Calculator →
- How Much Paint for a 12x12 Room →
- Primer Calculator →
- Free Paint Calculator →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paint do I need for a kitchen?
Most kitchens need 1.5 to 2 gallons for two coats on the walls. A standard 12x10 kitchen needs about 1.5 gallons after deducting cabinets and windows. Use the calculator above for a precise estimate.
What paint finish is best for a kitchen?
Semi-gloss is the best finish for kitchens. It resists grease and moisture, wipes clean easily, and holds up to steam from cooking. Satin is a good alternative if you prefer a lower sheen.
Do I need special paint for a kitchen?
Use a paint labelled for kitchens and baths, or any semi-gloss or satin paint with mildew resistance. These resist grease splatter and steam better than standard interior paint.
How many litres of paint for a kitchen?
A standard kitchen needs 5 to 7 litres for two coats. A 5 litre tin covers most kitchens. Buy an additional 2.5 litre tin for larger kitchens or high ceilings.
Should I paint kitchen cabinets the same colour as walls?
Most homeowners prefer contrast — white or light cabinets against a mid-tone wall colour is the most popular combination. Matching cabinets and walls creates a modern seamless look.
How do I calculate kitchen wall area with cabinets?
Enter your kitchen dimensions in the calculator above. Use the built-ins exclusion in Special Situations to subtract cabinet areas. Alternatively reduce your estimate by 15 to 20% to account for upper cabinet coverage.