Side-by-Side Comparison
Paint & Surface Prep
Paint Coverage vs. Paint Rollers & Brushes
Comparing 2 standards across 15 specifications. 15 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Paint Coverage
Paint Rollers & Brushes
One US gallon of architectural paint covers 350 to 400 square feet (32.5–37.2 m²) of smooth, primed drywall at 1.5 mil dry film thickness. One quart covers 85–100 sq ft, while rough unprimed masonry reduces coverage by 20–30% to 250 sq ft per gallon.
Paint applicator standards classify roller nap thicknesses by surface texture: 1/4" for ultra-smooth cabinets, 3/8" for standard interior drywall, 1/2" for light texture, and 3/4" for rough brick and cinder block, paired with 2.0–2.5" angled sash brushes for cutting-in.
Specification Comparison Table
15 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
PDCA Standard Estimating Guidelines / ASTM D2805 | ABMA Paint Applicator Standards / ASTM D5068 |
|
1 US Gallon Coverage (Smooth)
|
350 to 400 sq ft (32.5–37.2 m²) at 1.5 mil dry film thickness | — |
|
1 US Quart Coverage
|
85 to 100 sq ft (7.9–9.3 m²) | Small accent walls, powder rooms, furniture | — |
|
5-Gallon Commercial Pail
|
1,750 to 2,000 sq ft (162–186 m²) | Whole-house painting | — |
|
Rough / Textured Surface Loss
|
Reduces coverage to 250–300 sq ft/gal on unprimed masonry, brick, or stucco | — |
|
Standard Dry Time to Touch
|
1 to 2 hours for latex water-based paint (4–6 hours for oil-based) | — |
|
Standard Recoat Interval
|
4 hours for latex paint (24 hours for oil-based alkyd paints) | — |
|
Room Paint Formula
|
((Perimeter × Height)–Window/Door Deductions (40 sq ft avg)) ÷ 350 = Gallons per coat | — |
|
1/4-Inch Nap (6 mm)
|
— | Ultra-smooth surfaces: metal doors, smooth cabinets, trim (Zero stipple) |
|
3/8-Inch Nap (10 mm)
|
— | Standard smooth interior drywall and ceilings (Universal benchmark) |
|
1/2-Inch Nap (13 mm)
|
— | Medium surfaces: orange peel textured drywall, acoustic ceilings, wood |
|
3/4-Inch Nap (19 mm)
|
— | Rough surfaces: knockdown texture, stucco, exterior wood siding |
|
1 to 1-1/4 Inch Nap
|
— | Extra rough: masonry, brick, cinder blocks, split-face stone |
|
Standard Roller Width
|
— | 9 inches (22.9 cm) standard | 4-inch mini roller for trim/behind toilets |
|
Angled Sash Brush (2.5")
|
— | 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) angled bristle | Universal standard for cutting-in edges |