Paint Coverage Calculator — South Africa
Calculate exactly how many litres and tins of paint you need. Uses real Plascon and Dulux SA spreading rates — interior, exterior and roof paint.
⚠️ For planning purposes only. Coverage rates are theoretical — actual consumption varies by application method, surface texture and painter technique.
Paint Coverage in South Africa — Why Getting It Right Matters
Calculating paint quantities accurately is the difference between finishing a job cleanly and making three extra trips to the hardware store. Paint coverage — how many square metres one litre covers per coat — varies significantly by paint type, surface condition, and how the paint is applied. This calculator uses the actual published spreading rates from Plascon and Dulux South Africa, adjusted for your surface condition, so you can order the right amount the first time.
SA Paint Coverage Rates — Plascon & Dulux
| Paint Type | Coverage (m²/L per coat) | New Plaster | Previously Painted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plascon PVA (interior) | 8–10 m²/L | 6–8 m²/L | 9–10 m²/L |
| Dulux Superwall PVA | 8–10 m²/L | 6–8 m²/L | 9–10 m²/L |
| Dulux Weathershield (exterior) | 6–8 m²/L | 5–6 m²/L | 7–8 m²/L |
| Plascon Nuroof (roof) | 4–5 m²/L | 3–4 m²/L | 4–5 m²/L |
| Plascon Ceiling White | 9–11 m²/L | 7–9 m²/L | 10–11 m²/L |
| Plascon Plaster Primer | 6–8 m²/L | 5–6 m²/L | 7–8 m²/L |
Paint Coverage Formula
Effective rate (m²/L) = Base rate ÷ Surface condition factor
Litres per coat = Surface area (m²) ÷ Effective rate
Total litres (net) = Litres per coat × Number of coats
Order quantity = Total litres × 1.10 (10% wastage)
Why New Plaster Needs More Paint
New plaster in South Africa is both alkaline and highly porous. The first coat of paint applied to raw plaster is partially absorbed into the surface, significantly reducing coverage compared to painting over a sealed surface. A freshly plastered wall can absorb 25–50% more paint per coat than a previously painted surface. This is why a primer or sealer coat is not optional — it is essential for an even finish and proper film build.
Calculating Paint for a Full House in South Africa
For a typical 3-bedroom house with plastered interior walls of approximately 300m² total, two coats of interior PVA, and new plaster condition, you will need approximately 300 ÷ 7 × 2 × 1.1 = 94 litres. This typically translates to 4 × 20L tins and 1 × 5L tin. For exterior walls, roof paint, ceilings and trims, each surface type needs to be calculated separately as the coverage rates differ significantly.