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How to Quote a Painting Job (Template + Pricing Guide)
·7 min read
Painting jobs are easy to underquote — the paint is cheap, but the prep, coats and labour add up fast. Quote by gut feel and you'll either lose the job or lose money on it. Here's how to quote a painting job properly, every time.
Step 1: Measure and assess
Walk the space and note the wall area, ceiling height, number of doors, windows and trim, and the condition of the surfaces. Poor surfaces mean more prep — the part that quietly eats your time. Photograph everything so nothing's forgotten back at the office.
Step 2: Price the prep
Prep is where painting quotes are won or lost. Filling, sanding, masking and protecting furniture can take as long as the painting itself. Price it as its own line — never roll it silently into "painting" — so the client sees the value and you get paid for it.
Step 3: Price the coats and materials
- Primer / undercoat — especially on new or patched surfaces.
- Two coats as standard for a quality finish; price by area.
- Trim, doors and skirting — slower, fiddlier work, priced separately.
- Materials — paint, sundries and protection at cost plus 10–20% markup.
Quote two coats, not one
Almost every quality repaint needs two coats. Quote for two by default and note it explicitly — it sets the right expectation and avoids the 'why does it look patchy?' conversation later.
Step 4: Apply your labour rate
Estimate the days the job will take and apply your day rate. If you haven't set a profitable rate yet, work through how to price a job first — it covers overheads, billable hours and markup so your rate actually pays.
A sample painting quote
- Surface prep, filling & masking — $320
- Primer / undercoat — $180
- Two coats premium emulsion — $640
- Trim, doors & skirting (satinwood) — $270
- Materials & waste removal — $120
- Subtotal $1,530 · Tax (10%) $153 · Total $1,683
Step 5: Send it fast and follow up
The first professional quote in the client's inbox usually wins. Send a branded, itemised quote the same day, with an expiry date — then follow up if you don't hear back.
Quote painting jobs in seconds
Jotquote is built for painters: describe the job — or photograph your notes — and it builds the itemised quote with prep, coats, trim and materials, priced from your rates. Review, tweak and send a PDF or trackable link.
Win more painting jobs
Send polished, itemised painting quotes in seconds. Free to start — no card required.
Start freeFrequently asked questions
How much should I charge to paint a room?
Price the prep, primer, two coats, trim and materials separately, then apply your day rate for the time involved. A typical single room repaint often lands somewhere around a day or two of labour plus materials — but always price from your own rates and the surface condition rather than a flat figure.
Should prep be a separate line on a painting quote?
Yes. Prep — filling, sanding, masking and protecting — can take as long as the painting and is where quotes are underpriced. Listing it separately shows the value and makes sure you're paid for it.
How do I quote a painting job quickly?
Use quoting software made for painters that already knows the typical line items. With Jotquote you describe the job or photograph your notes and get an itemised painting quote with your rates applied, ready to send on the spot.
