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Free painting estimate template

Quote interior and exterior painting with prep, labor by area and paint by the gallon on one clean page. Customers see exactly what they are paying for, and you can turn the estimate into an invoice when the last coat is dry.

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Download asPDFWordExcel· opens in Google Docs

Uses the Trade Pro design. The builder starts with typical painting lines you can edit.

Brightline Painting Co.118 Ridge Ave, Columbus, OH 43215 · (614) 555-0153License #: OH-HIC-22817
EstimateNo. EST-001
CustomerErin Walsh62 Maple Grove Ln, Dublin, OH 43017
Job site62 Maple Grove Ln, Dublin, OH 43017Job ref: PT-305
DatesIssued: Oct 5, 2026Valid until: Nov 4, 2026
Labor
TaskHoursRateAmount
Prep: patch, sand, caulk and mask1055.00550.00
Living room and hallway walls, 2 coats1855.00990.00
Trim, doors and baseboards1255.00660.00
Materials
ItemQtyUnitAmount
Interior eggshell paint8 gal62.00496.00
Semi-gloss trim paint2 gal68.00136.00
Primer, tape, plastic and supplies1 lot120.00120.00
Notes & termsFurniture moved and covered by our crew. Colors confirmed in writing before work starts.This estimate is valid until the date shown. It is based on the work described above; the final price may change if the scope changes or hidden conditions are found.
Labor$2,200.00
Materials$752.00
Tax (7.5%)$221.40
Deposit required$600.00
Balance on completion$2,573.40
Customer signature: ____________________

Example with sample details. Yours will show your business and customer.

How to write a painting estimate

  1. 1

    Walk the job and measure

    Measure wall area, count doors and windows, and note ceiling height and surface condition.

  2. 2

    Price prep on its own line

    Patching, sanding, caulking and masking can take as long as painting. Showing it separately justifies the price.

  3. 3

    Break labor down by area

    List rooms or elevations so the customer can drop or add an area without a full re-quote.

  4. 4

    Work out paint by coverage

    A gallon covers roughly 350 to 400 square feet per coat. Multiply by the number of coats and round up.

  5. 5

    Confirm colors and sheen in writing

    Name the brand, color and sheen in the notes so there is no dispute at the walkthrough.

What to include on a painting estimate

  • Rooms or exterior elevations included, and anything excluded
  • Prep work: patching, sanding, caulking, priming
  • Number of coats and paint brand, line and sheen
  • Paint by the gallon and supplies as a lot
  • Who moves furniture and how surfaces are protected
  • Deposit, start date and how long the price is valid

Pricing tips for painters

Know your production rate

Track how many square feet your crew paints per hour on walls, ceilings and trim. It turns measurements into labor hours quickly.

Charge more for ceilings and trim

Ceilings, stairwells and detailed trim are slower than flat walls. Price them separately instead of averaging.

Use better paint as an option

Offer a premium paint line as a second price. Many customers choose it, and it raises the ticket without more labor.

Questions painters ask

How do I estimate how much paint a job needs?

Divide the paintable area by the paint's coverage, usually 350 to 400 square feet per gallon, then multiply by the number of coats. Round up and add a little for touch-ups.

Should I charge per square foot or per hour?

Many painters estimate hours from square footage and their production rate, then show the result as labor by room. Customers understand rooms better than rates.

Can I send separate interior and exterior prices?

Yes. Add each area as its own line, or make two estimates. The customer can approve one part and you convert just that one to an invoice.

Is this template really free?

Yes. Fill it in online and download PDF, Word or Excel as often as you like. There is no sign-up, no watermark and nothing to install. Your details stay in your own browser.

Templates for other trades

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