Is there a good way to estimate how much paint you'll need (per coat)?

I'm going to be buying primer, base, and clear within the next few days, and I'm not too sure how much to get.

 

when i spray cars witch has bin alot in the last few months i use 3 quarts of each. 4 coat with the first being a thin "sticky" coat if u will

 

a gallon will be enough for base, and clear. more than enough. but its WAY better to have extra then to run out. TRUST ME

as for primer, id say 2-3 quarts depending how many layers and the type...

 

It depends on what you are painting, as well on the colour and type of paint you are using.

First get at least 3 quarts if not a gallon of primer( I use PPG K36 which can be mixed as either a sealer or high build primer surfacer, and it is tintable) Then to help coverage tint the primer as close to your base colour as you can, unless you are painting silver then a black base works the best IMO. Then as for paint, if it is translucent, or has a lot of pearl get an extra quart of it, if not a gallon is more than enough as said above. ANd the same for clear, also figure in a couple gallons of reducer, a quart of harder depending on the mix ratios as well as hardener for the primer, and tinter for the primer. Oh yeah and get the recomended wax and grease remover too, it will make your job much easier, Oh and buy the blue tack rags the cheapo yellow ones are crap and leave residue. Also get the right size strainer for the paint you are using, some metallics like a coarse strainer whereas some solids and pearls prefer a fine one.