Sherwin-Williams A-100 5-gallon price typically runs about $200-$400 before tax, with many buyers paying roughly $275-$325 depending on local pricing and discounts. The final paint budget depends on the color, number of coats, surface condition, and whether the project includes labor or only paint.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-100 exterior paint, 5 gallons | $200 | $300 | $400 | Paint only; pricing varies by store and promotion |
| Price per gallon | $40 | $60 | $80 | Calculated from the five-gallon container |
| Paint for two coats | $400 | $600 | $800 | Two containers, before supplies and labor |
| Professional exterior repaint | $2,500 | $5,000 | $10,000+ | Whole-home totals vary substantially by size and prep |
What a 5-gallon A-100 pail usually costs
A five-gallon pail commonly costs around $250-$350 at standard retail pricing, though sale pricing or a contractor account may bring it closer to $200-$275. Higher local prices, specialty color selections, or limited discounts can push the charge toward $400. Store promotions and customer-specific pricing make the shelf price an imperfect guide, so a current local quote is useful.
For budgeting, use about $300 per pail before tax and check the price at the store that will tint it. A-100 is an exterior acrylic latex paint line; exact product versions and available finishes can differ. Assumptions: standard A-100 exterior paint, five-gallon pail, no sales tax or delivery.
How paint, tint, and supplies shape the receipt
The pail is the main expense, but a complete repaint may also require primer, caulk, masking materials, and equipment. These figures are typical planning ranges, not fixed store fees; project size and existing surface condition determine quantities.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | Typical basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-100 paint | $40/gal | $60/gal | $80/gal | Five-gallon pail pricing |
| Primer | $25/gal | $40/gal | $65/gal | When bare or patched areas need sealing |
| Caulk and masking | $30 | $100 | $250 | Small to large exterior jobs |
| Brushes, rollers, and trays | $40 | $120 | $300 | Reusable or replacement tools |
| Delivery or disposal | $0 | $50 | $150 | Local delivery, hauling, or cleanup charges |
Primer and prep supplies can add $75-$400 or more when a surface is weathered, porous, or previously unpainted. Sales tax is additional and depends on the location.
How much wall area one pail can cover
Coverage is commonly about 250-400 square feet per gallon, depending on texture, porosity, application method, and product labeling. Five gallons may therefore cover roughly 1,250-2,000 square feet for one coat. A second coat, a major color change, or rough siding can substantially reduce the area covered by a pail.
For example, a 1,600-square-foot paintable exterior may need about 4-7 gallons for one coat, before allowing for waste or extra absorption. Two coats could require 8-14 gallons. Use the product label and a measured surface area rather than assuming a pail covers a fixed house size.
Which finish and surface conditions change the estimate
Color and surface condition affect both price and quantity. Deep or saturated colors may need additional coats, while a change from a dark color to a light one can require extra paint or a suitable primer. Bare wood, chalking, peeling paint, and rough masonry can absorb more coating than sound, previously painted siding.
Finish choices depend on the A-100 product version available locally; verify the label and price for the selected sheen. A difference of $10-$20 per gallon adds $50-$100 across a five-gallon pail, before extra coats. Two additional gallons at $40-$80 each can cost more than a modest per-gallon price difference.
Why A-100 pail prices vary by U.S. region
Retail prices and discounts can vary between metro areas, independent stores, and markets with different contractor demand. As a planning allowance, a higher-cost urban market may run about 10%-20% above a discounted or lower-cost market; rural areas may have fewer nearby promotions but sometimes lower labor charges. These are comparison allowances, not guaranteed regional price lists.
Delivery distance and sales tax can also change the total. Ask whether the quote reflects a promotion, a customer account, or the regular price, and compare the same product size and finish. A quoted pail price is comparable only when product, sheen, tint, and container size match.
Three paint-only budgets for common exterior projects
These examples use a planning rate of $40-$80 per gallon and exclude primer, tax, tools, and labor. Actual gallons depend on measured paintable area, siding profile, and coats.
| Scenario | Paint quantity | Paint-only range | Assumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small shed, one coat | 2-3 gallons | $80-$240 | About 500-900 sq ft of paintable area |
| One-story siding, one coat | 5-8 gallons | $200-$640 | About 1,250-2,500 sq ft |
| Medium home, two coats | 10-16 gallons | $400-$1,280 | About 1,250-2,500 sq ft per coat |
At an average of $60 per gallon, a two-coat 10-16 gallon estimate equals $600-$960 for paint alone. Add primer if the substrate or color transition calls for it.
When professional labor outweighs the paint bill
Exterior painting labor often costs about $25-$75 per painter-hour, with regional and access differences. A small, straightforward job may take a two-person crew 1-2 days; a larger home with scraping, repairs, and ladder or lift work can take several days. A complete professional repaint commonly totals $2,500-$10,000 or more, including labor and materials.
For example, 32-48 labor hours at $40-$65 per hour implies $1,280-$3,120 in labor before overhead, equipment, and materials. Request an estimate that separates prep, paint application, materials, and repairs.
How to lower the A-100 paint budget without cutting coverage
Measure siding carefully, subtract large unpainted areas, and confirm the required coat count before buying multiple pails. Compare local quotes for the same A-100 version and ask about current promotions or eligible contractor pricing. Buying enough paint from one batch can help avoid color variation, but excessive overbuying ties up money and may leave unusable leftovers.
Complete safe, simple prep such as moving outdoor furniture or trimming nearby vegetation if the painter agrees, but do not paint over loose or failing coatings. Avoid paying for premium upgrades that do not address the surface’s actual needs. The best savings usually come from accurate quantities and controlled prep scope, not from applying too little paint.