Free Painting Estimate Template

What Every Painting Estimate Must Include

Painting estimates are most commonly disputed when the scope is vague. Clients assume ceilings are included when you only quoted walls. They assume trim is included when you only quoted the room. They expect two coats when you quoted one.

Avoid all of this with specificity:

- List each room and surface separately - State the number of coats explicitly - Specify the paint product by brand and sheen level - State whether prep work (patching, caulking) is included - Note what requires client completion before you start (furniture clearing, hardware removal)

A painting quote that clearly lists each room, the paint product, the number of coats, and what prep is included is a client-confidence tool. Clients who receive a specific quote trust you more — and accept it more readily.

How to Price Painting Work

Painting is commonly priced either per room, per square foot, or per linear foot (for trim). Common 2026 US benchmarks:

Interior painting — labor only (paint additional): - Standard bedroom (400 sq ft, 2 coats walls + ceiling): $250–450 - Open living/dining area: $400–700 - Per linear foot of trim/baseboard: $1.50–4.00 - Per door (both sides, prime + 2 coats): $75–150

Exterior painting — labor only: - Standard 2,000 sq ft home exterior: $2,500–5,500 - Per linear foot of trim: $1.50–3.50

Paint supply: Budget $30–80 per gallon for quality interior paint. A standard bedroom typically requires 2–3 gallons for two coats. Charge paint at your cost plus 20% markup.

Scope and Exclusions for Painting Estimates

Always include explicit exclusions in a painting estimate:

- 'Feature walls not included' — if not in scope - 'Ceiling not included' — if you're only quoting walls - 'Trim, windows, and doors not included' — if quoting room painting only - 'Furniture moving beyond repositioning not included — client to clear room' - 'Garage, shed, or outbuildings not included' - 'Wallpaper removal not included' - 'Major drywall repair (holes larger than 2 inches diameter) not included — minor nail holes only' - 'Exterior painting not included' when quoting interior

And importantly: 'Two coats on all walls as quoted. If existing dark colors require additional coats for full coverage, an additional coat will be charged at $X per room.'

Payment Terms for Painting Jobs

Residential painting payment structure:

- Small jobs (1–2 rooms): Payment on completion. Card on the day. - Medium jobs (whole house interior): 30–40% deposit on acceptance, balance on completion. - Large exterior or commercial: 30% on start, 30% at midpoint, 40% on completion.

For deposit invoices, collect the deposit before buying paint and materials. This protects you from purchasing $800 in paint for a client who changes their mind.