🛥️ Paint Cost Estimator
Enter the hull area, coats, coverage, and price for a topcoat — and optionally a primer — to see the litres, whole tins, and total paint cost for the job.
🛥️ Estimate the Paint Bill
What is a Paint Cost Estimator?
It totals the paint cost of a hull job in one place. Give it the area and, for each layer, the number of coats, the coverage, and the price per litre, and it works out the litres needed, rounds up to whole tins, and adds the topcoat and primer together for a clear total.
Use it to budget a repaint, compare a one-coat primer plus topcoat against topcoat alone, or check a yard's materials quote. It covers paint — add abrasives, thinner, masking, and labour for the full cost of the project.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How does the paint cost estimator work?
For each layer it multiplies the area by the number of coats, divides by the coverage in square metres per litre, and rounds up to whole tins — then multiplies by the price per litre. It does this for the topcoat and, if you add one, the primer, and sums them for a total paint cost.
Should I include a primer?
On bare hull, previously stripped surfaces, or when switching antifouling types, a primer or barrier coat is usually essential for adhesion and moisture resistance. If you're simply recoating a sound, compatible surface, you may skip it. Toggle the primer on or off in the calculator to compare the cost either way.
Does this include the whole cost of a bottom job?
No — it estimates paint only. A full budget should also allow for sandpaper and abrasives, thinner, masking tape, rollers and brushes, protective gear, and either your time or the yard's labour. Use this figure as the paint line and build the rest of the quote around it.
Why are litres rounded up to whole tins?
Because you buy paint in sealed tins, not by the exact litre. Rounding each layer up to the next whole tin reflects what you'll actually spend and leaves a little spare for touch-ups. If your coverage or area figures are rough, expect the real total to land slightly above the estimate.