How Much Paint Do I Need?

Understanding Paint Coverage

Paint coverage tells you how many square metres a litre of paint will cover in a single coat. Standard emulsion typically covers around 13 m² per litre, while gloss paints stretch a little further at about 14 m² per litre. Satinwood and eggshell finishes sit between the two at roughly 12 m² per litre.

These rates assume a smooth, previously painted surface. If you are painting over bare plaster, a dark colour, or a textured finish, coverage will drop and you should add an extra 10–20 per cent to your estimate. A mist coat (emulsion diluted 50:50 with water) is recommended on new plaster before applying full-strength paint.

Budget, Mid-Range, and Premium Paint

Budget paint, at around £3 per litre, typically comes from supermarket own-brands or value ranges at DIY stores. It does the job for ceilings and rooms that see less wear, but may require an extra coat to build up opacity.

Mid-range paint (roughly £8 per litre) covers brands such as Dulux and Crown. These offer better coverage per coat, a wider colour range, and improved durability. Most professional decorators default to this tier for standard residential work.

Premium paint, at £15–£25 per litre, includes heritage brands such as Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, and Paint & Paper Library. The colour depth and finish are noticeably different, and a single coat of premium emulsion often provides better coverage than two coats of budget paint.

DIY or Hire a Decorator?

A professional decorator typically charges £150–£400 per day in the UK, depending on your region and the complexity of the work. A standard bedroom usually takes one day; a large living room with high ceilings or detailed woodwork may take two. The decorator normally supplies their own materials, so the quoted price usually covers both labour and paint.

If your walls are in good condition and you are painting a simple room in a similar colour, DIY is straightforward and can save £200–£300. But if the job involves stripping wallpaper, filling cracks, repairing plaster, or painting intricate woodwork, a professional will almost certainly deliver a better finish in less time.

Preparation Makes the Difference

Professional decorators often say that 80 per cent of a good paint job is preparation. Fill any holes or cracks with a flexible filler and sand smooth once dry. Wash down walls in kitchens and bathrooms where grease or moisture may prevent adhesion. Mask off edges with low-tack tape if your cutting-in skills are still developing.

Do not forget to factor in dust sheets, rollers, brushes, masking tape, and filler when budgeting. A basic kit for a single room costs roughly £15–£30, and good-quality rollers make a noticeable difference to the finish.

Planning a Bigger Project?

If painting is part of a wider renovation, you might also find our tile calculator useful for bathroom and kitchen tiling estimates. For a broader view of renovation costs and planning, explore our first renovation guide or check whether your home qualifies for an energy efficiency grant.