calculate how much paint you need
Find a simple solution to calculate how much paint you need
Planning a painting project can be exciting, but figuring out how much paint you’ll need is often a challenge. Whether you're refreshing a room's interior, updating your home's exterior, or working on a commercial project, understanding paint coverage is key to saving time and money. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about paint coverage and how to calculate the amount of paint you need accurately.
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Exterior Paint Coverage Per Litre
Exterior paints are formulated to withstand weather elements and often provide different coverage compared to interior paints. On average, 1 litre of exterior paint covers 8-10 square metres per coat.
However, the actual coverage can vary depending on factors like:
Surface type: Rough or porous surfaces such as brick and stucco absorb more paint, reducing coverage.
Color change: Painting over dark colors or using bold shades might require additional coats.
Paint quality: Higher-quality paints often provide better coverage, even with a single coat.
For most exterior projects, it's recommended to apply at least two coats to ensure durability and consistent color.
Calculating Paint for Exterior Surfaces
Exterior surfaces often include walls, trims, and additional architectural features like eaves or shutters. Here’s how to calculate the paint needed for exteriors:
Step 1- Measure the Wall Area:
Measure the height and width of each exterior wall and multiply them to calculate the area.
For example, if a wall is 4 metres high and 10 metres wide:
Wall Area = Height × Width = 4 × 10 = 40 square metres
Step 2- Include All Walls:
Add the areas of all the walls together to find the total wall area.
Step 3- Subtract Doors and Windows:
Measure and subtract the areas of any doors and windows to avoid overestimating.
For instance, if the total wall area is 150 square metres and there are 2 doors (1.9 square metres each) and 4 windows (1.5 square metres each):
Adjusted Wall Area = 150 - (2 × 1.9 + 4 × 1.5) = 138.4 square metres
Step 4- Account for Eaves and Trims:
Measure additional surfaces like eaves, trims, or gutters separately and add them to your total.
Step 5- Determine Total Coverage:
Multiply the total area by the number of coats required.
If two coats are needed:
Total Coverage = Adjusted Area × 2 = 138.4 × 2 = 276.8 square metres
Step 6- Calculate Paint Needed:
Divide the total coverage by the paint’s coverage per litre.
If 1 litre covers 9 square metres:
Litres Needed = 276.8 ÷ 9 ≈ 30.8 litres
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