Painting templates
Painting estimates depend on surface area, the number of coats and the prep work. Listing rooms or surfaces separately lets the customer drop or add areas without a full re-quote.
What to include
- Rooms or surfaces, with square footage
- Number of coats and paint brand/finish
- Prep work: repairs, sanding, priming, caulking
- Furniture moving and protection
- Who supplies the paint and how color changes are handled
Typical painting line items
| Line item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface prep: patch, sand, caulk | 1 job | $450.00 | $450.00 |
| Interior walls, 2 coats | 1450 sq ft | $2.10 | $3,045.00 |
| Ceilings, 1 coat | 600 sq ft | $1.25 | $750.00 |
| Trim and doors | 14 ea | $65.00 | $910.00 |
| Premium paint and supplies | 1 lot | $520.00 | $520.00 |
Frequently asked questions
How do painters calculate an estimate?
Measure the paintable area, divide by your production rate to get labor hours, multiply by your hourly rate, then add paint (area ÷ coverage per gallon × coats) and supplies.
Should prep work be a separate line?
Yes. Prep varies a lot between houses, and showing it separately explains why two similar rooms can cost different amounts.