By the Estimate Templates editorial team · Last updated · Formulas checked against worked examples
What to include in a painting estimate
Our painting estimate template covers the basics every estimate needs (your details, the customer, job site, line items, totals, validity date and signature) plus the details customers in painting look for:
- Rooms or surfaces with square footage
- Number of coats and paint product line
- Prep work: patching, sanding, caulking, priming stains
- Who moves furniture
- Colors, or a color allowance and deadline to choose
Sample painting estimate
Job: Interior repaint: living room, hall, 2 bedrooms. Interior repaint of living room, hallway and two bedrooms: move and cover furniture, patch nail holes and minor cracks, caulk trim, two coats on walls, one coat on ceilings, trim and doors in semi-gloss. Daily cleanup.
| Line item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prep: patch, sand, caulk, protect floors | 1 lot | $450.00 | $450.00 |
| Walls, 2 coats | 1650 sq ft | $1.60 | $2,640.00 |
| Ceilings, 1 coat | 620 sq ft | $1.10 | $682.00 |
| Trim and doors | 9 ea | $65.00 | $585.00 |
| Paint and supplies (premium line) | 1 lot | $380.00 | $380.00 |
| Accent wall, dark color, extra coat (optional) | 1 ea | $175.00 | $175.00 |
| Estimate total (optional items not included) | $4,737.00 | ||
Example prices are for illustration only and are not price guidance; costs vary widely by region, materials and job. Exclusions in this sample: Wallpaper removal, drywall repairs larger than 6 in., moving heavy furniture (piano, safes), closets unless listed.
Painting estimating tips
Price by surface (walls, ceilings, trim, doors) rather than one room price, so customers can see the effect of dropping ceilings or trim.
Name the paint line. A premium paint can cost twice as much as a contractor grade; customers comparing bids need to know which they're getting.
Once the customer accepts, bill the job with a matching invoice from Excel Invoice Maker, or convert the estimate in one click with Estimate Pro.
This template is a general business document, not legal advice. Licensing, contract and deposit rules vary by state; check what applies to your trade.
