🎨 Paint Coverage Calculator

Paint Coverage Guide

Calculating paint coverage ensures you buy the right amount - not too much (waste money) or too little (multiple trips to the shop).

Standard Paint Coverage Rates

Paint Type	Coverage (m²/Litre)	Coverage (sq ft/Gallon)
Standard Emulsion	10-12 m²	350-400 sq ft
Quality Emulsion	12-14 m²	400-450 sq ft
Oil-Based Paint	12-15 m²	400-500 sq ft
Automotive Paint	8-10 m²	280-350 sq ft
Primer/Undercoat	6-8 m²	200-280 sq ft
Spray Paint	4-6 m²	140-200 sq ft

Factors Affecting Coverage

• Surface porosity: Bare wood/plaster absorbs more paint than sealed surfaces
• Surface texture: Rough surfaces need more paint than smooth ones
• Color change: Dark to light requires more coats than light to light
• Application method: Spraying uses 20-30% more than rolling
• Paint quality: Better paint covers more area per litre
• Temperature: Hot weather causes faster drying and less spread

How Many Coats Do You Need?

• 1 Coat: Touch-ups, similar colors, sealed surfaces only
• 2 Coats: Standard for most jobs, recommended by manufacturers
• 3 Coats: Significant color changes, bare surfaces, reds/yellows
• 4 Coats: Complete color transformations (dark to light), automotive respray

Automotive Paint Specifics

Vehicle Part	Approx Area	Paint Needed (2 coats)
Bonnet/Hood	1.5-2 m²	0.3-0.5 L
Door (one side)	1.2-1.5 m²	0.3-0.4 L
Front Wing/Fender	1.8-2.2 m²	0.4-0.6 L
Roof	2-3 m²	0.5-0.8 L
Complete Small Car	15-20 m²	3-4 L
Complete Medium Car	20-25 m²	4-5 L
Complete Large Car	25-30 m²	5-6 L

Paint Preparation Tips

• Clean surface thoroughly - dirt affects adhesion and coverage
• Fill cracks and holes before painting
• Sand glossy surfaces for better adhesion
• Use primer on bare surfaces - improves coverage and durability
• Stir paint thoroughly before use
• Test coverage on small area first

Application Methods

• Brush: Best control, least waste, slowest application
• Roller: Fast for large flat areas, moderate coverage
• Spray Gun: Professional finish, uses 20-30% more paint
• Aerosol Spray: Convenient for small jobs, lowest coverage rate

Cost Saving Tips

• Buy quality paint - better coverage means less paint needed
• Use primer on bare/porous surfaces - reduces topcoat needed
• Calculate accurately - avoid buying excess
• Seal opened paint properly - prevents waste from drying out
• Use proper tools - cheap brushes waste paint
• Apply thin, even coats - thick coats waste paint and run

Common Painting Mistakes

• Not using primer on bare surfaces - increases paint needed
• Applying coats too thick - wastes paint, causes runs
• Poor surface preparation - paint doesn't stick, needs recoating
• Painting in wrong conditions - temperature/humidity affects coverage
• Not allowing proper drying time between coats
• Using wrong paint type for surface