Work out paint coverage for steel instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Structural steel paint quantities start from theoretical coverage, 1000 times volume solids divided by system dry film thickness in microns, then apply a loss factor. Losses of 25-40 percent are normal on open steelwork because of overspray past flanges and the extra film needed on rough blast profiles and edges.
Theoretical coverage
m²/L = 1000 x volume solids / total DFT µm
Paint quantity
Litres = area / (theoretical coverage x (1 - loss factor))
m²/L = 1000 x volume solids / total DFT µm. Structural steel paint quantities start from theoretical coverage, 1000 times volume solids divided by system dry film thickness in microns, then apply a loss factor.
Small members have a high edge-to-area ratio, and edges hold less film so they are stripe-coated. Overspray losses are also far higher than on flat plate.
This calculator takes 4 inputs: Steel surface area, Total system dry film thickness, Volume solids, Application loss allowance. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.