Use this guide to calculate exactly how much material you need for your painting project. Coverage rates vary by product — always check the product label for specific coverage information.
Interior Wall Coverage
Luxury Emulsions (Royale, Opus One Pro, Berger Easy Clean): 100-120 sq ft per litre per coat. For 2 coats: divide total area by 60-70 to get litres needed.
Mid-Range Emulsions (Ace, Opus Silk, Berger Velvet): 120-150 sq ft per litre per coat. For 2 coats: divide total area by 70-85 to get litres needed.
Economy Emulsions (Tractor, Bison, Express): 140-180 sq ft per litre per coat. For 2 coats: divide total area by 80-100 to get litres needed.
Exterior Wall Coverage
Premium Exterior (Apex Ultima, Weathercoat All Guard, Opus Shield Pro): 80-120 sq ft per litre per coat. For 2 coats: divide total area by 50-70.
Standard Exterior (Ace Exterior, Weathercoat Premium, Utsav): 100-150 sq ft per litre per coat. For 2 coats: divide total area by 60-85.
Wood Surface Coverage
PU Finish (Touchwood, Wood Keeper, Opus Wood Finish): 80-100 sq ft per litre per coat. Typically 2-3 coats plus clear coat.
Melamine: 100-120 sq ft per litre per coat. 2-3 coats.
Wood Stain: 120-150 sq ft per litre per coat. 1-2 coats.
Primer Coverage
Wall Primer (Decoprime, Seal O Prime, Opus Primer Pro): 150-200 sq ft per litre per coat. 1 coat usually sufficient.
Metal Primer: 120-150 sq ft per litre per coat. 1-2 coats.
Wood Primer: 100-130 sq ft per litre per coat. 1 coat.
Putty Coverage
Wall Putty (Asian Paints Wall Putty, Opus Smooth Putty, Birla White Wallcare): 15-20 sq ft per kg for 2 coats (1.5-2mm thickness). A 40 kg bag covers approximately 600-800 sq ft.
Quick Calculation Example
3BHK Apartment Painting:
4 walls per room x 3 rooms x (12ft L x 10ft H) = 1,440 sq ft. Minus doors (4 x 21 = 84 sq ft) and windows (6 x 10 = 60 sq ft) = 1,296 sq ft. Ceilings (3 x 120 = 360 sq ft). Total surface = 1,656 sq ft.
Materials needed (luxury grade): Putty: 40 kg (1 bag). Primer: 10 litres (1 coat). Paint: 25 litres (2 coats at 65 sq ft/litre/coat). Total approximate material cost: Rs. 18,000-25,000.