Paint

[Unregistered]

I am try to calculate how much paint is being used in a paint shop. The painter mixes paints by the gram. I buy paint by the gallon and quart for the shop. Is there a conversion that I can put in my computer to auto calculate this?

[Robert Fogt]

For that you would need to know the density (or specific gravity) of the paint.

You may be able to find the density listed on the container, if not try finding an MSDS sheet.

If that fails you could always weigh a known amount of it. For example, weigh 1 gallon, then subtract the weight of the container, then you can use that information to calculate your conversion.

[Unregistered]

I was given this to help with my problem. Can this be verified? How close is it? 3628.73896 grams = 1 gallon

[Robert Fogt]

It may differ for every type of paint.

Pure water at standard temperature and pressure would weigh about 3785.4 grams per gallon.

That value is fairly close to yours, so it is probably correct.