How much floor paint do I need for a garage?

A standard single UK garage (roughly 5m x 2.5m = 12.5 m²) needs approximately 3-4 litres of garage floor paint for 2 coats. Concrete is porous, so the first coat absorbs more — allow 25% extra paint for the first coat on bare concrete. A 5L tin is usually sufficient for a single garage.

Do I need to prime concrete before painting?

Yes, bare or dusty concrete should be primed first. Use a concrete floor primer or diluted PVA (1 part PVA to 4 parts water) to seal the surface. This reduces paint absorption on the first coat and improves adhesion. Previously painted concrete in good condition doesn't need priming — just clean and sand lightly.

What is the best paint for a garage floor?

For domestic garages, specialist garage floor paint (solvent-based) at around £25-35 per 5L is the most popular choice. For high-traffic or workshop floors, 2-pack epoxy floor paint is tougher and more chemical-resistant but costs more (£40-60 per 5L). Anti-slip paint is recommended for areas that may get wet.

How long does floor paint take to dry?

Water-based floor paint: touch-dry in 2-4 hours, recoat after 6-8 hours, light foot traffic after 24 hours. Solvent-based: touch-dry 4-6 hours, recoat after 16 hours. Epoxy: touch-dry 8-12 hours, recoat after 16-24 hours. Full cure for all types: 5-7 days before heavy use or parking vehicles.

Can I paint a damp concrete floor?

No, the concrete must be dry. Test by taping a piece of polythene to the floor overnight — if moisture appears underneath, the floor is too damp. You may need a damp-proof membrane (DPM) paint first, or wait for the floor to dry. New concrete should cure for at least 28 days before painting.

TradeCalcs

Floor Paint Calculator — How Much Floor Paint Do I Need?

Calculate floor paint for garages, workshops, warehouses and interior concrete or wood floors. UK coverage rates.

Floor Length

Floor Width

Floor Type

Affects first coat absorption

Paint Type

Number of Coats

2 coats recommended for durability

Include wastage allowance

Adds 10% for uneven surfaces and edges

Wastage Percentage

10% is standard for floor painting

Include floor primer

Recommended for bare concrete and timber

Price Per Litre (optional)

How We Calculate This

Our floor paint calculator accounts for surface porosity, which means the first coat on bare concrete or timber absorbs significantly more paint than subsequent coats.

The formula

First coat = Area ÷ (Coverage × Porosity factor)
Subsequent coats = Area ÷ Coverage × (Coats - 1)
Total paint = (First coat + Subsequent coats) × Wastage factor

Coverage rates

Standard floor paint: 10 m² per litre
Garage floor paint: 8 m² per litre
Epoxy floor paint: 6 m² per litre
Anti-slip floor paint: 8 m² per litre
Floor varnish: 12 m² per litre

Porosity factors (first coat)

Bare concrete: 25% more paint absorbed
Timber: 15% more paint absorbed
Metal / previously painted: No extra absorption

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.