What should be deducted from the total area when estimating paint?

When estimating paint, the total area should be adjusted by deducting areas that will not receive paint. This includes features that are already covered or finished differently, such as wallpaper. If walls have wallpaper on them, this area should not be painted, as it will remain as it is.

In contrast, the area of ceilings, window openings, and doors generally doesn't completely negate the need for paint estimation, as ceilings typically require paint, window openings might need touch-up around the frames, and doors might also require painting, unless specifically excluded. Thus, accounting for wallpaper is essential for an accurate estimate of the paint needed, ensuring that only the areas requiring paint are considered. This helps prevent overestimation of material costs and ensures efficient budgeting for the painting project.