Free Painting Estimate Template & Generator
Create detailed painting estimates with line items for prep, primer, paint, and labor by coat. Download a professional PDF estimate instantly.
- Pre-built painting line items
- Instant PDF download
- Professional formatting
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Your Company Name
123 Main St
ESTIMATE
Painting Line Items
+ 9 more items...
Total: $X,XXX.XX
What to Include in a Painting Estimate
A painting estimate needs to clearly communicate the scope of work — which rooms or surfaces, how many coats, what prep is involved, and what paint you're using. Homeowners often get three or more painting bids, so clarity and professionalism win jobs.
Materials
Specify paint brand and finish (e.g., "Sherwin-Williams Duration, eggshell"). List primer separately if walls need it. Include caulking for trim gaps, painter's tape, and drop cloths. For exterior jobs, include pressure washing supplies. A gallon of quality paint covers roughly 350-400 sq ft per coat.
Labor
Break labor into prep (patching, sanding, taping, masking), priming, painting (specify number of coats), and trim/detail work. Prep is where most painters underestimate — it can take 30-50% of the total labor hours. For exteriors, add pressure washing as a separate line item.
Markup & Overhead
Painting contractors typically apply 35-50% markup. Your overhead includes insurance, vehicle costs, brushes/rollers you supply, and time spent on estimates and client communication. Make sure your hourly rate covers these costs plus a reasonable profit margin.
Common Mistakes
Don't lump everything into "painting — $X." Customers want to see what they're paying for. Always specify the number of coats (two is standard). Note any surfaces you're excluding (ceilings, closet interiors, etc.) to avoid scope creep. Include furniture moving if applicable.
Common Painting Estimate Line Items
Materials
| Item | Unit |
|---|---|
| Interior paint | gallon |
| Exterior paint | gallon |
| Primer | gallon |
| Caulking | tube |
| Painter's tape | roll |
| Drop cloths | each |
| Sandpaper / prep supplies | lot |
Labor
| Item | Unit |
|---|---|
| Prep / sanding labor | hour |
| Priming labor | hour |
| Painting labor (per coat) | hour |
| Trim / detail labor | hour |
| Pressure washing (exterior) | hour |
Other
| Item | Unit |
|---|---|
| Paint sprayer rental | day |
| Scaffolding / lift rental | day |
Ready to create your painting estimate?
Pre-loaded with all the line items above. Fill in your numbers, download as PDF.
Create Painting EstimateFrequently Asked Questions: Painting Estimates
How do I estimate painting costs?
Measure the square footage of walls and ceilings to be painted. Calculate paint quantity (1 gallon per 350-400 sq ft per coat), then add labor hours for prep, priming, and painting. Interior painting typically costs $2-$6 per sq ft; exterior runs $1.50-$4 per sq ft depending on surface condition.
What markup should I charge for painting work?
Most painting contractors mark up 35-50% over materials and labor costs. This covers insurance, transportation, equipment wear, and profit. Solo painters on the lower end of overhead can be competitive at 30-35%; crews with employees typically need 40-50% to stay profitable.
What should a painting estimate include?
Include which surfaces will be painted, paint brand and color selections, number of coats, prep work (patching, sanding, caulking), any surfaces excluded from the scope, timeline, and payment terms. For exteriors, note pressure washing and any wood repair needed.
How many coats of paint should I include in an estimate?
Two coats is the industry standard for a quality finish. If you're covering a dark color with a lighter one, you may need primer plus two topcoats. Always specify the number of coats in your estimate to set clear expectations and avoid disputes.
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