How much textured coating do I need per m²?

Coverage depends on the texture depth: light stipple uses 0.5 kg/m², medium swirl uses 1.0 kg/m², heavy bark effect uses 1.5 kg/m², and Tyrolean/roughcast uses 2.0 kg/m². A 25 kg tub covers 12-50 m² depending on texture. Always add 10% for wastage. The substrate condition also affects how much coating is absorbed.

Do I need to stabilise walls before textured coating?

Yes, a stabilising primer is essential on friable (crumbly), chalky, or powdery surfaces. It binds loose material and provides a key for the textured coating. Apply at 5 m²/L and allow 4-6 hours to dry. On sound, well-adhered surfaces in good condition, you may be able to skip the stabiliser, but it's cheap insurance against failure.

Can I apply textured coating over existing paint?

Yes, provided the existing paint is sound and well-adhered. Scrape off any loose or flaking paint, fill cracks with flexible filler, and apply a stabiliser coat. Textured coatings are thick enough to bridge fine cracks (up to 1mm). For larger cracks, use a flexible masonry crack filler first. Do not apply over gloss paint — it must be removed or roughened.

How long does textured coating last?

Quality textured masonry coatings last 15-25 years on exterior walls. They're more durable than standard masonry paint because the thicker coating provides better weather protection. The texture also helps shed rainwater. Recoating is simpler than the first application as the existing texture provides a good base. Products like Dulux Weathershield Textured carry 15-year guarantees.

What is the best tool for applying textured coating?

For stipple and swirl effects, use a heavy-duty roller then texture with a stipple brush or comb while wet. For bark effects, use a notched trowel or bark roller. For Tyrolean finishes, a Tyrolean flicker machine throws the coating onto the wall. A plasterer's hawk and trowel work best for roughcast. Always work in manageable sections to avoid drying edges.

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Textured Coating Calculator — Coverage by Texture Depth

Calculate textured masonry coating quantities from wall area and texture depth. Includes stabiliser primer and crack filler estimates.

Wall Area

Total exterior wall area

Texture Depth

Determines kg/m² coverage rate

Crack Length to Fill

Linear metres of cracks

Price Per Tub (optional)

Include stabiliser primer

Recommended for chalky or friable surfaces

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines textured coating quantities based on wall area and desired texture depth. Heavier textures require more product per square metre.

The formula

Coating (kg) = Wall area × Coverage rate (kg/m²) × Wastage factor

Stabiliser (L) = Wall area ÷ 5 m²/L × Wastage factor

Crack filler (kg) = Crack length (m) × 0.15 kg/m

For example, 60 m² exterior wall with medium texture at 1.0 kg/m²: 60 × 1.0 = 60 kg + 10% waste = 66 kg. That's 3 × 25 kg tubs. Stabiliser: 60 ÷ 5 = 12 L + 10% = 13.2 L.

Coverage rates by texture

Light stipple: 0.5 kg/m² — 50 m² per 25 kg tub
Medium swirl: 1.0 kg/m² — 25 m² per tub
Heavy bark: 1.5 kg/m² — 17 m² per tub
Tyrolean: 2.0 kg/m² — 12.5 m² per tub

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.