How to calculate the right amount of paint

1. First, assess the size of the area that you’re painting. Grab a friend to help measure the width and height of walls with a metal tape measure and multiply these together to calculate the overall square metre measurement.
   
   
2. Subtract the space used by windows and doors using the same calculation method as above, and remove these from your overall square metre measurement.
   
   
3. Multiply your new total square metre measurement by the number of coats you’ll need – we recommend factoring in at least two coats. It's also worth including a little extra paint for touch ups.
   
   
4. Finally, divide this total figure by the m²/l number on your paint tin (if you can’t see it on the tin, have a look online at the product information section). This will give you the total litres of paint you need for your project.
   
   
5. Don’t forget, the type of paint will make a difference and so will the manufacturer. When you use higher quality paint, you’ll notice that you use less paint to get a great result. Less paint equals a happier atmosphere – and a beautiful finish for you.

Planet Possible is the brighter future we can all help create – simply by making smarter choices.