Coverage depends on the surface you are painting, the texture you want to achieve and your application technique. Bare wood generally needs more paint for the first coat, while subsequent coats and refreshes of previously painted cabinets can go considerably further.
Our practical coverage test
We tested Tuff Cab Matt Black on a bare hardwood plywood speaker cabinet, using a textured roller to create a textured finish.
A 5L tin of matt black contains approximately 5.5kg of paint. The litre equivalents below are estimates based on this net weight, or approximately 1.1kg per litre.
The four panels had a combined surface area of 2.91m². A generous first coat used 560g of paint (approximately 0.51L), equivalent to approximately 28.6m² per 5L tin.
For the second coat, we measured the same 0.96m² panel that had used 200g (approximately 0.18L) for its first coat. The second coat used just 70g (approximately 0.064L) — 65% less paint. Together, the two coats used 270g (approximately 0.245L) on this panel. This suggests approximately 19.6m² of finished surface per 5L tin.
Approximate coverage
| Application | Per 5L tin | Per litre |
|---|---|---|
| One coat onto bare wood (hardwood plywood) | 28–30m² | 5.6–6m² |
| Two coats onto bare wood (hardwood plywood) — finished surface area | 18–20m² | 3.6–4m² |
| One refresher coat over sound, previously painted, dry cabinets* | Up to 60m² | Up to 12m² |
*Refresher-coat coverage is an estimate informed by our second-coat test. Worn, damaged or uneven surfaces may need more paint.
Getting the best results
These figures are based on matt black. Darker colours generally hide the underlying surface more effectively than lighter colours. Light colours, particularly when covering a contrasting colour, may need additional coats to achieve an even appearance.
A textured roller builds texture and uses more paint than a standard roller applying a smoother, thinner coat. Heavier textures and rough or absorbent surfaces will also increase consumption.
Spread the paint evenly and allow each coat to dry sufficiently before applying the next.
Depending on temperature and coat thickness, drying time can range from approximately 30 minutes in warm summer weather on bare wood to around 2.5 hours in cooler weather (10–15°C). These are approximate guide times; check that thicker textured areas have dried sufficiently before recoating, and allow longer if needed.
These figures are guidelines only. Actual coverage will vary with colour, surface condition, application technique and the thickness of the finish.