Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Skip to Main ContentThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activate
Manufacturers frequently hold prices steady by shrinking product portions, with some even claiming they're offering shoppers a bargain—while hoping nobody does the math or takes out a ruler. The same trend, on the face of it, seems to have spread to paints, with volumes often less than the standard gallon (128 ounces). But not so fast: When it comes to paint, manufacturers actually have a valid reason for shipping paint in amounts less than a gallon.
Among the paints we test, some of the white paint also serves as a base for other colors. The tints needed to create these hues add ounces to each can, which holds no more than 128 ounces. So manufacturers leave a few ounces of space to accommodate the highest measure of colorants that might be added.
For paints that come ready to apply, requiring only stirring, you should see the standard 128-ounce capacity. But in our recent tests of interior paint, the results of which we've just added to our Ratings, base/white paints came in amounts as low as 116 ounces (can at left in photo).
If you choose rich, deep colors that require plenty of colorants, you stand the best chance of getting a full gallon of paint per can—and five gallons in a five-gallon can. Choose a pale tint that doesn't differ much from the base, though, and the can might feel a hair lighter than usual.
Another question might then arise: Shouldn't you pay less for a can with fewer ounces than a gallon? The answer is that paint is priced on an average for how much comes in the typical can.
—Ed Perratore
Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.
Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop
