How Much Paint for 4 Room HDB: A Complete Guide

Painting your HDB flat can be an exciting project—but to avoid waste and unnecessary costs, it’s important to know how much paint you really need. Whether you’re hiring professionals or doing it yourself, here’s a breakdown of the paint needed for a typical 4 room HDB in Singapore.

Applying 2 coats of paint is essential for achieving a uniform and vibrant finish on your walls and ceilings.

Introduction to Painting

Painting your home can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, you can achieve professional-looking results. The first step in painting your home is to determine how much paint you need. Using a paint calculator can help you estimate the amount of paint required for your project. Consider the type of paint and surface you are painting, as well as the number of coats of paint you want to apply, to ensure you have enough paint.

Choosing a high-quality paint, such as Nippon Paint, ensures a smooth and durable finish. Before starting your painting project, make sure to prepare your space by removing furniture, covering floors, and cleaning walls and ceilings. Proper preparation is key to achieving a professional result and making the painting process go smoothly.

Why Calculating Paint Matters

Calculating the amount of paint needed provides a clear answer to one of the most common questions in painting projects. When painting a flat, estimating the amount of paint is crucial for budgeting, planning, and achieving a smooth finish. Undershooting leads to last-minute store runs, while overshooting wastes money and materials.

Paint Needed for a 4 Room HDB Flat

So, how much paint for a 4 room HDB exactly?

• Walls: You’ll need approximately 20–25 litres of paint to cover the walls.

• Ceilings: Set aside another 15–20 litres of paint for ceilings.

• Total: Plan for about 40 to 45 litres of paint for two coats on all surfaces.

This is based on an average 4 room flat of around 90 to 100 square meters.

✅ Fun Fact: Two coats of paint help improve durability and colour consistency, especially in humid environments like Singapore.

Factors That Affect How Much Paint You’ll Need

1. Paint Type

Choose the right paint type:

• Emulsion paints are most common for interiors because they’re easy to apply and dry fast.

• Oil-based sealer or water-based sealer may be needed for moisture-prone areas.

Different types of paint, such as emulsion and oil-based, have varying coverage rates and application methods.

2. Wall Surface & Texture

Rough or uneven walls absorb more paint than smooth ones. Older flats may need a primer or first coat to improve paint adhesion. Using a primer helps to seal the surface, ensuring better paint adhesion and a smoother finish.

3. Colour Choice

Dark colours typically require more coats than light ones. If switching from dark to light, budget for an extra coat.

4. Room Layout

More walls, doors, and windows can affect how much surface area needs painting.

Bedrooms often require special attention due to their layout and usage, and should be prioritized in the painting process.

How to Calculate Paint Quantity Accurately

Step 1: Measure the Surface Area

• Multiply the length and width of all walls by the height of the room (usually ~2.6m).

• Subtract areas for windows and doors.

Step 2: Use a Paint Calculator

Online paint calculators or in-store guides can help you figure out how many litres you need based on coverage rates (typically 10–12 sqm per litre per coat).

You can divide the total surface area by the coverage rate to determine the number of litres needed.

Estimating Paint Costs

To estimate the cost of paint, calculate the amount of paint needed for your project, taking into account the size of the room, the number of coats, and the type of paint. Use a paint calculator to determine the amount of paint required, and consider factors such as the colour and finish of the paint.

A rough estimate for a 4-room HDB flat in Singapore is 20-25 litres of paint for walls and 15-20 litres for ceilings, depending on the paint type and number of coats. Additionally, consider the cost of extra materials, such as primer, brushes, and rollers, to ensure you have a comprehensive estimate. Compare prices from different paint suppliers, such as Nippon Paint and Dulux Paint, to find the best value for your money.

Preparing for Painting

Before starting your painting project, prepare your space by removing furniture, covering floors, and cleaning walls and ceilings. Fix any holes or cracks in the walls, and apply a primer to create a smooth surface for painting.

Choose the right painting tools, such as brushes and rollers, to ensure a smooth and even finish. Consider using a water-based sealer or oil-based sealer to protect your walls and ceilings from dirt and dust. Make sure to ventilate your space by opening windows and doors to prevent the buildup of fumes and moisture. Proper preparation will help you achieve a professional-looking result and make the painting process more efficient.

Tips for an Efficient Painting Process

• Start with the ceiling, then move to walls. This prevents paint from dripping onto newly painted surfaces.

• Use a high-quality primer for better finish and fewer coats.

• Choose good brushes and rollers for a smooth application.

• Apply long, even strokes to achieve a consistent look.

• Clean up dirt, dust, and tape before and after the painting process.

• Organize your painting schedule to save time and effort, making the process more efficient.

DIY or Hire Professionals?

While painting your own flat is cheaper, it also requires time, tools, and effort. On the other hand, professional painters may charge more due to rising labour and material costs in Singapore, but they deliver efficiency and expertise. Mastering basic painting techniques can help achieve professional results even for DIY projects.

💡 Pro Tip: Painting all four walls of a room typically takes one full day. Allow 2–4 hours of drying time between coats.

Finalizing the Project

Once you have completed painting, remove all drop cloths and cleaning materials. Touch up any areas where the paint may have gotten on the trim or other areas you didn’t want to paint. Apply a second coat of paint if necessary, allowing the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat.

Clean your painting tools, such as brushes and rollers, to ensure they can be used for future projects. Take a step back and admire your hard work, enjoying the fresh new look of your painted space. Proper cleanup and tool maintenance will make your next painting project easier and more efficient.

Final Thoughts

To decide how much paint to purchase, start by knowing your room dimensions and desired coverage. For example, if your room is 10×12 feet and the paint covers 350 square feet per gallon, you would need approximately one gallon of paint. Whether you’re covering a newly renovated space or refreshing your flat, proper planning ensures a cleaner, faster result.

Need help? Reach out to Singapore Painting Service for a free consultation and rough estimate!