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19 May 2025
When planning an exterior painting project, one of the most crucial questions homeowners and contractors face is determining how much paint they'll need. Understanding coverage rates for exterior masonry paint can save you money, prevent project delays, and ensure you achieve professional-looking results. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about masonry paint coverage, with a specific focus on 5-litre containers.
A 5-litre can of exterior masonry paint typically covers 25-30 square metres with two coats on most standard surfaces. However, this figure can vary significantly based on several key factors that we'll explore in detail.
The coverage rate of masonry paint depends on three primary factors: surface texture, surface porosity, and the specific formulation of the paint. Unlike interior paints that are applied to relatively smooth, sealed surfaces, exterior masonry paints must contend with varied textures, weather-damaged surfaces, and porous materials that can significantly impact coverage rates.
On smooth, non-porous surfaces such as rendered walls or previously painted smooth masonry, a 5-litre container can achieve impressive coverage rates. Weatherflex Premium masonry paint can cover 8-10 square metres per litre on soft surfaces, meaning your 5-litre container could cover 40-50 square metres with a single coat.
However, it's important to note that exterior masonry painting typically requires two coats for optimal protection and appearance. With two coats on smooth surfaces, you can expect coverage of approximately 20-25 square metres from a 5-litre container.
Textured surfaces such as pebbledash, rough render, or natural stone require significantly more paint. On textured surfaces, coverage typically reduces to 5-6 square metres per litre, meaning a 5-litre container will cover approximately 25-30 square metres with the recommended two coats.
This reduced coverage occurs because:
Highly porous surfaces, such as weathered brick, natural stone, or aged concrete, can absorb significantly more paint than less porous ones. These surfaces may require:
Proper surface preparation has a significant impact on the efficiency of paint coverage. Well-prepared surfaces, which are clean, stable, and properly primed, allow paint to spread more evenly and require less material for complete coverage.
Key preparation factors include:
Weather conditions during application significantly impact how much paint you'll need:
Temperature Effects: Applying paint in temperatures between 7°c and 32°c ensures optimal spreading characteristics. Extreme temperatures can cause paint to thicken or thin, which in turn affects the coverage rate.
Humidity levels: High humidity can slow drying times and affect how paint flows and settles on surfaces.
Surface temperature: Hot surfaces can cause paint to dry too quickly, leading to uneven application and potentially requiring additional coats.
The method you choose for applying masonry paint affects coverage rates:
Brush application typically provides the most economical coverage as it allows better penetration into surface textures and ensures thorough coverage of detailed areas.
Roller application can be faster but may require more paint to achieve complete coverage on heavily textured surfaces.
Spray application often requires more paint due to overspray, but can be efficient for large, open areas.
To accurately determine how much paint you need:
For a typical two-story house front:
Paint requirements:
Premium masonry paints, such as Weatherflex, offer superior coverage due to their high solids content and advanced polymer formulations. While they may cost more initially, they often provide:
Proper paint preparation: Always stir paint thoroughly before use to ensure uniform consistency and optimal spreading characteristics.
Optimise application timing: Apply paint during moderate weather conditions to ensure optimal flow and levelling.
Use quality tools: Premium brushes and rollers hold more paint and distribute it more evenly, improving coverage efficiency.
Brick walls typically require more paint due to their porous nature and textured surface. Expect coverage rates of 4-6 square metres per litre, meaning a 5-litre container covers approximately 20-30 square metres with two coats.
Natural stone exhibits a wide range of porosity and texture. Limestone and sandstone are typically more porous than granite or slate. Coverage can range from 4 to 8 square meters per litre, depending on the stone type.
Smooth renders offer the best coverage rates, while rough or textured renders require more paint to achieve the same level of coverage. Modern polymer-modified renders typically accept paint more readily than traditional lime-based renders.
Surfaces with existing paint generally require less new paint, provided the existing coating is sound and well-adhered to the surface. However, intense background colours may require additional coats for complete coverage.
While premium masonry paints may have higher upfront costs, they often deliver better value through:
Proper planning includes considering future maintenance needs. High-quality masonry paints require less frequent repainting, making the higher initial coverage rate even more valuable over time.
Using appropriate primers can significantly improve paint coverage and adhesion:
While single coats might provide adequate coverage on some surfaces, two-coat systems offer:
Many people underestimate the impact of surface texture on paint consumption. A surface that appears relatively smooth from a distance may have significant texture that increases paint requirements.
Different areas of the same wall can have varying porosity levels, especially on older buildings where repairs have been made with other materials.
Please make sure that you include extra paint for touch-ups, future repairs, and any minor discrepancies. It's much more cost-effective to have slightly too much paint than to run short during application.
Understanding masonry paint coverage is essential for successful exterior painting projects. While a 5-litre container of quality masonry paint typically covers 25-30 square metres with two coats on standard surfaces, actual coverage can vary significantly based on surface texture, porosity, and application conditions.
For optimal results, invest in high-quality products like Weatherflex, which offer superior coverage rates, enhanced durability, and professional-grade protection. Proper surface preparation, appropriate application techniques, and realistic coverage expectations will ensure your exterior painting project delivers lasting beauty and protection for years to come.
Remember that masonry painting is an investment in your property's protection and appearance. While it's essential to calculate coverage accurately to control costs, don't compromise on quality to save small amounts on paint – the long-term benefits of premium products far outweigh the modest additional initial investment.
Author Leon Newel (Director of Kingfisher Marketing)
