Paint Calculator

Typical European emulsion (Dispersionsfarbe in DE, peinture acrylique in FR) lists 11–13 m²/litre per coat on a smooth primed surface. We use 11 as the default because real conditions usually deliver less than the manufacturer's optimistic figure — fresh plaster, textured walls, deep colours, and DIY application all cut into coverage.

Two for most jobs. Three (or two over a primer) for: dark over light, light over dark, fresh plaster, smoky or water-stained walls. Single-coat products exist (peinture monocouche, einlassende Wandfarbe) but typically only deliver true single-coat results in mild repaints with the same base colour.

Yes — this calculator handles your finish coats only. Primer (Tiefgrund / Grundierung in DE, sous-couche in FR) is a separate product covering roughly the same area per litre. Use primer for new plaster, water-damaged walls, or any colour change with a stark contrast; skip it for like-for-like repaints in good condition.

The default coverage figure is conservative, so for typical jobs no extra is needed. For unusual conditions — heavily textured walls, very dark accent walls, fresh plaster — add 10–15% on top. Sealed paint stores ~2 years and is essential for future touch-ups.

Almost always cheaper per litre — typically 20–30% saving. But opened paint deteriorates faster than sealed, so for a single small room buy two 2.5 L tins; for a whole flat redecoration, 5 L tins are more economical.

EU VOC limits (Volatile Organic Compounds) are stricter than US federal limits and at parity with the UK. Major brands sell to EU spec across the bloc, so the same Dulux, Farrow & Ball, Hempel etc. product behaves identically across countries. Local product availability varies; coverage figures don't.