Guide

Masonry Paint Coverage: What to Expect

Masonry paint coverage is far less predictable than interior emulsion because exterior walls vary so much in texture. Here's how to estimate it properly.

Texture is everything

Smooth render might give 10 square metres per litre. Lightly textured surfaces drop to around 7. Heavily textured render and pebbledash can fall to 5 square metres per litre or lower, because the paint has to cover a much larger true surface area than the flat measurement implies.

The first coat drinks

Previously unpainted masonry is porous and absorbs the first coat heavily. A stabilising primer or thinned first coat is often recommended and counts as extra product. Chalky, weathered surfaces need a stabilising solution first or the topcoat won't bond well.

Estimating your walls

Measure the total length of all walls and the height to the eaves, subtract large openings, and choose the right texture setting. Our masonry paint calculator has surface options built in so a pebbledash house doesn't get costed like smooth render.

Practical tips

Paint in dry, mild weather, avoiding direct hot sun which makes the paint skin too fast. Buy all your paint from one batch so the colour is consistent across every wall, and do complete elevations in one go to avoid visible joins where wet meets dry.