How much paint is needed to paint my brick unit?

[Jenny3]

I’m going to paint the inside of my unit. It’s all brick. I no what to use I just can’t find out the quantity needed. I’m using 3 step for undercoating and wash and wear for top coat. I’ve been given three different quantises so far from 12lts of undercoat to 4 lts . The length of the room is 8 mts x 3 mts by 2.44 high. I m not worried about the door or windows if you could give me an idea thanks.

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Jenny3 

I am suspecting the reason your getting varying amounts is because there are several unknown variables such as  brick texture the paint  you are using and the application method you wish to use ,  also  looking at some   paint cans they are very loose with their  estimated litres/meter 

For  brick work a 10mm nap (fluffy) roller will help get into the mortar lines if they are grooved (Raked) or a paint brush at  need.

Initially you will use more undercoat as it fills the wall with paint as it goes, Wash and  wear sits flat on top of a smoother layer.

Priming the roller will use  paint  estimated 200 -400ml over a few starts

You can add 10% water to acrilic  paints to thin them slightly.

Your paint area is 26.84 m2 as ( 8M+3M x2.44m  )so you paint can will estimate how coverage you will get.

@Jenny3  Your Estimated minimum coats.

2x under coat   (as the wall is very  textured)  53.68 m2   =  4-6 Litres

2x Wash and Wear                                also    53.68 m2    =  4 litres

ESTImates  based on the following  paints 

Dulux 1 Step Prep Multi Surface Undercoat  14m2/1L   =  4- 6 litres buy 4L tin and get a refund on a 1L tin if it is not used. (2x coats)

White Low Sheen Wash&Wear Interior Paint  16m2/ L  = 4 litres  2 coats

 I would ask others to check my  paint estimates.

[EricL]

Hello @Jenny3

It's great that you've received excellent advice from @Jewelleryrescue. The estimates given by the paint store specialist have taken into account that you are painting over brick. Generally, 1 litre of primer will cover on average 14 square meters on a flat non-porous surface. However, bricks tend to absorb the paint and instead of the usual coverage, you get less than what was expected. That's why you have more primer than top coat.

If you purchase the primer in 4-litre cans, any can unopened can be returned to the store. Unfortunately, it isn't easy to estimate how far the primer will cover as the brick's absorption rate is unpredictable. Once you've put the second coat of primer on you'll immediately notice that the paint coverage will go further. Once the brick has been sealed by the primer, the top coat will now easily go on top of the primer and not get absorbed by the brick. 

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your brick wall painted. 

Eric