How Much Paint May You Need?
For a 5m x 3m kitchen using Matt Emulsion, you'll likely need around 5.9 litres of paint to cover approximately 35.4m² of paintable wall area with 2 coats. Kitchens require a wipeable, durable paint that can withstand steam, grease splashes, and regular cleaning. A washable emulsion or specialist kitchen paint will keep your walls looking fresh for much longer than a standard emulsion. Look for products labelled as scrubbable or wipeable for the best results. This guide covers the key steps to paint your kitchen walls with a professional finish.
Preparing Your Kitchen for Painting
Good preparation is the key to a long-lasting paint finish. Kitchen walls often accumulate a layer of grease, particularly near the hob and extractor. Wash all surfaces thoroughly with sugar soap to remove grease and grime, as paint will not adhere properly to greasy walls. Fill any cracks or holes with a flexible filler and sand smooth once dry. Use masking tape along skirting boards, window frames, and door frames to achieve crisp, clean edges. Remove switch plates and socket covers where possible for the neatest result. If painting over a dark colour, apply a coat of white primer first to prevent the old colour bleeding through.
Choosing the Right Paint for Your Kitchen
Your chosen Matt Emulsion finish will cover approximately 35.4m² of wall space in your 5m x 3m kitchen. For a kitchen, select a wipeable or washable paint that can handle regular cleaning. Dulux Easycare Kitchen, Crown Kitchen & Bathroom, and Little Greene Intelligent Emulsion are excellent choices. These products resist staining from cooking splashes and can be wiped clean without damaging the finish. A mid-sheen or silk finish is easier to clean than a flat matt. Always check the tin label for the manufacturer's recommended coverage rate, as this can vary between brands and colours. Darker colours typically require an extra coat for full opacity.
How to Apply Matt Emulsion
Start by cutting in around the edges of your kitchen with a 2-inch angled brush, painting a strip approximately 50mm wide along ceilings, corners, skirting boards, and around window and door frames. Then use a medium-pile roller to fill in the main wall areas, working in W-shaped strokes to distribute the paint evenly before finishing with straight, overlapping vertical strokes. Two coats are the standard recommendation for most walls. Apply the first coat and allow it to dry fully before applying the second. The first coat seals the surface and the second provides the depth of colour and consistent finish. Work on one wall at a time to maintain a wet edge and avoid visible lap marks where sections of paint overlap.
Paint Coverage Tips
For your 35.4m² kitchen, you'll likely need around 5.9 litres of Matt Emulsion across 2 coats. Matt emulsion typically covers around 12m² per litre on smooth, sealed surfaces. On textured walls such as Artex or woodchip, coverage can drop to 8-10m² per litre due to the increased surface area. New plaster is particularly absorbent and will require a diluted mist coat first. Always stir the paint thoroughly before use and between tins to ensure consistent colour. If you need multiple tins of the same colour, mix them together in a large bucket (a process called boxing) to eliminate any slight batch variations.
Drying Times for Matt Emulsion
Drying times depend on temperature, humidity, and ventilation in your kitchen. Matt emulsion is typically touch-dry within 1-2 hours and can be recoated after 4 hours in good conditions. In cooler or humid rooms, allow longer drying time. Avoid painting if the room temperature is below 10°C, as the paint may not cure properly. Ensure good ventilation by opening windows where possible. Do not rush between coats; applying a second coat before the first has fully dried can cause the paint to peel, bubble, or develop a patchy finish. In winter or damp weather, using a dehumidifier can speed up drying times significantly.
Estimated Cost
Paint prices in the UK vary considerably depending on the brand and quality. For your 35.4m² kitchen requiring approximately 5.9 litres of Matt Emulsion, budget options like Dulux Simply Refresh or own-brand paints cost around £15-22 per 5L tin (£30-44), mid-range choices such as Dulux Easycare or Crown Breatheasy run £22-35 per 5L tin (£44-70), and premium brands like Farrow & Ball or Little Greene cost £25-45 per 2.5L tin (£75-135). Budget around £20 for sundries including rollers, brushes, masking tape, and dust sheets if you do not already have them. In total, you might expect to spend between £50 and £155 depending on your paint choice.