Guide

How Much Paint Do I Need Per Square Metre?

Knowing paint coverage per square metre is the key to buying the right amount. Here are the figures to plan with, and why the number on the tin is a best case.

Typical coverage rates

Standard matt emulsion covers around 12 to 14 square metres per litre on smooth, previously painted walls. Silk and soft-sheen emulsions are similar. Gloss, satinwood and eggshell for woodwork go further, often 14 to 16 square metres per litre because they're applied thinly. Masonry paint is the thirstiest, sometimes as low as 5 square metres per litre on textured render.

Why the tin overstates it

Manufacturers measure coverage on ideal, smooth, sealed surfaces. Real walls — fresh plaster, bare wood, textured or heavily coloured surfaces — absorb more, especially on the first coat. Treating the stated figure as a maximum rather than a guarantee keeps you from running short.

Turning area into litres

Work out your wall area, subtract doors and windows, multiply by the number of coats, then divide by the coverage rate. So 30 square metres of wall, two coats, at 12 square metres per litre, needs 5 litres. Our paint cost calculator does this and rounds up to whole tins for you.

Buy a little extra

Always keep some spare for touch-ups once furniture is back and you spot the inevitable scuff. A partly used tin, sealed well and labelled with the room, is worth its shelf space.