A method and device are disclosed for monitoring lacquer consumption per can in a lacquer application unit. The device includes a counter providing can number data on the number of cans being applied with lacquer in the application unit; a tank for intermediate storage of lacquer; a lacquer feeder for feeding lacquer from a lacquer reservoir to the tank through an inlet pipe; and a lacquer feeder for feeding lacquer from the tank to the application unit. A valve is provided in the inlet pipe for intermittent movement between a closed position and an open position, in which lacquer is admitted into the tank. A flow meter is arranged to provide flow rate data on the amount of lacquer flowing into the tank. The device also includes a processor that, based on the flow rate data and the can number data, over a time period between two subsequent movements of the valve to one and only one of the positions, effects a calculation of the total amount of lacquer passing the flow meter during the time period and the total number of lacquer coated cans during the time period, to subsequently, by dividing the total amount by the total number, calculate a lacquer consumption value per can.