What Does Paint Coverage Mean?
Coverage indicates how many square meters of wall surface you can paint with one liter. It is expressed in m2/L and printed on every paint container. Typical values range from 5 to 12 m2/L depending on paint type and surface. Actual coverage often differs from manufacturer specifications, which are measured under laboratory conditions on smooth surfaces.
Coverage by Paint Type
Emulsion paint is the standard for interior use and achieves 7-11 m2/L. Latex paint is more robust and washable but has lower coverage at 6-9 m2/L. Silicate paint is mineral-based and breathable at 7-9 m2/L, particularly suited for older buildings. Lime paint is the most traditional option with the lowest coverage of 5-7 m2/L but offers an incomparable room climate.
Coverage by Surface
The surface has the greatest impact on paint consumption. Smooth plaster absorbs the least paint — calculate with the upper coverage range. Woodchip wallpaper is the paint consumer: the rough texture increases consumption by 30-40%. Concrete falls in between. A previous coat in good condition has the best coverage because the surface is already sealed. New drywall should be primed first, otherwise it absorbs paint like a sponge.
Second and Third Coats
From the second coat, coverage improves by about 18% because the surface pores are already closed. Nevertheless, a second coat is almost always recommended: it ensures even color coverage without streaks and clouds. For dark colors or color changes (e.g., from dark blue to white), even a third coat is necessary.
Practical Calculation
Formula: Wall area (m2) divided by coverage (m2/L) times number of coats = liters of paint needed. Example: A 20 m2 room (wall area about 35 m2 after deducting windows and door), woodchip wallpaper, emulsion paint: 35 / 7 * 2 = 10 liters. Always round up to the next container size — a 10-liter bucket is cheaper than two 5-liter buckets.