What goes on a painting estimate
Painting bids that show prep as its own line tend to win against cheaper bids that skip it. The template separates surface prep, primer, walls, ceilings, trim, doors and paint, so the customer sees where the time goes.
Units follow how painters measure: square feet of wall and ceiling, linear feet of trim, each for doors and frames, gallons for paint and primer. Change any of them to a per-room price if that’s how you work.
The lines in this template
| Line | Unit | Taxable by default |
|---|---|---|
| Surface prepPatch, sand, caulk, mask and protect floors | sq ft | No |
| Primer | gal | Yes |
| Walls, two coatsPaint brand, line and sheen | sq ft | No |
| Ceilings | sq ft | No |
| Trim and baseboards | lf | No |
| Doors and frames | each | No |
| Paint | gal | Yes |
| Furniture moving and clean-up | room | No |
8 lines, prices left blank for yours. “Taxable” is only the starting tick, so match it to your state’s rules.
Tips from the trade
- Write paint brand, line and sheen in the detail field so there is no argument later.
- Confirm colours in writing before you start; the notes field is a good place.
- Quote extra coats for big colour changes as their own line.
Questions people ask
Should I price painting by square foot or by room?
Both work. Square feet is fairer for odd-sized rooms and makes bids easy to compare; per-room is quicker to explain. Change the unit on each line to whatever you use.
Does the template work for exterior painting?
Yes. Rename the lines (siding, soffits and fascia, trim, doors, shutters), and add pressure washing and scraping to the prep line.
How many coats should the estimate include?
Say it on each line: “two coats” in the detail field for walls, ceilings and trim. The template’s notes quote extra coats for major colour changes per coat, so a dark-to-light change does not come out of your margin.
Should paint be a separate line or included?
Either works. A separate line in gallons, with the brand and sheen, lets the customer upgrade the paint without re-pricing the labour. If you include paint, write the product in the detail of the wall line instead.
Can I turn the estimate into an invoice when the job is done?
Yes. Click “Turn into invoice”. The client, scope and prices carry over, the estimate number is noted on the invoice, and any deposit you asked for is shown as received so the invoice shows the balance due.