Question

Is how much paint will it take to paint the box a volume or a surface question?

Answer 1

3) Surface area of the surface(s) to be painted.

2) Spreading rate of the paint being used.

3) The number of coats needed.

Example:

To paint the living room walls - not including the ceiling. The walls are 3m high, with a total of 18m of wall length (allowing for doors and windows) the surface area is 3m x 18m = 54m2