Free Painting Estimate Template
A painting estimate is a detailed document that outlines projected costs for a painting project before work begins. It breaks down paint, primers, materials, labor hours, and prep work into a clear quote. This professional paint job estimate template helps you calculate everything accurately - so you can price projects competitively, win more work, and protect your profits.
Download Free Painting Estimate Template
Professional painting estimate template for accurate quotes on interior and exterior jobs. Calculate paint quantities, labor costs, prep work, and supplies. Perfect for residential house painters and commercial painting contractors who need detailed cost breakdowns for clients.
Excel Template
Painting estimate calculator with formulas
- Auto-calculate square footage
- Paint quantity calculator
- Labor cost tracking
PDF Template
Professional client-ready format
- Print-ready layout
- Send to clients
- Clean presentation
Word Template
Fully editable template
- Add company logo
- Custom sections
- Edit all fields
Used by painting contractors nationwide • No signup required • Free forever
Everything You Need in a Estimate Template
Our templates include all the essential elements for professional estimates
Paint Quantity Calculator
Calculate exact paint amounts based on coverage rates. Track primer, base coats, and finish coats separately. Uses industry-standard 350-400 sq ft per gallon to estimate quantities.
Surface Area Measurements
Enter room dimensions and let the template calculate wall and ceiling square footage. Automatically deduct windows, doors, and other openings for accurate coverage estimates.
Labor Cost Estimator
Track prep hours, painting hours, and cleanup time separately. Apply different rates for interior work, exterior jobs, specialty finishes, and after-hours commercial projects.
Materials & Supplies Tracking
Include brushes, rollers, tape, drop cloths, sandpaper, caulk, and equipment rental. Capture all the small costs that add up on every painting job.
Profit Margin Calculator
Built-in formulas help you apply consistent markup to materials and labor. Set your target profit margin and let the template calculate your final price.
Multiple Project Types
Works for interior rooms, exterior house painting, commercial spaces, cabinet refinishing, deck staining, and specialty finishes like faux painting.
How to Write a Painting Estimate (Step-by-Step)
Follow this process to create accurate, professional painting estimates that win jobs and protect your profits.
Schedule a Site Visit
Never estimate from photos alone. Visit the property to assess surface conditions, measure accurately, check access requirements, and identify any repair work needed. Take photos and notes.
Measure All Surfaces
Calculate square footage for walls (length × height), ceilings (length × width), and trim (linear feet). Deduct windows and doors. Note ceiling heights and any special features.
Assess Surface Conditions
Check for peeling paint, water damage, holes, cracks, mold, or stains. Note what prep work is needed - this often determines whether a job is profitable or not.
Calculate Paint Quantities
Use 350-400 sq ft per gallon for standard coverage. Add primer if painting new surfaces, covering dark colors, or on porous materials. Always include 10% extra for touch-ups.
Estimate Labor Hours
Break down time for prep work (50-70% of total), priming, each coat of paint, trim work, and cleanup. Exterior and high-ceiling work takes longer. Factor in crew size.
Price Materials
List paint, primer, caulk, tape, drop cloths, brushes, rollers, and any equipment rental. Get exact prices from your supplier. Add your material markup (typically 20-50%).
Calculate Total & Add Markup
Sum all costs, apply your profit margin to labor (20-40% is typical), and present a clear total. Include payment terms, deposit amount, and estimate validity period.
Want to skip these steps entirely?
With Invoice Mama, your business details are saved once and auto-filled on every invoice. Create invoices in under 2 minutes.
Try Invoice Mama FreePainting Estimate Examples by Project Type
200+ specific line items organized by category. Never wonder what to charge for again.
Painting Estimate Best Practices & Mistakes to Avoid
Follow these professional tips to create estimates that win jobs and protect your profits.
Always Visit the Site in Person
Photos miss crucial details. Check surface conditions, measure accurately, assess access requirements, and look for hidden problems like water damage, mold, or lead paint.
Price Prep Work Properly
Prep takes 50-70% of total project time on most jobs. Many painters underestimate this and lose money. Price patching, sanding, caulking, and priming separately.
Specify Paint Brands and Products
List exact paint brands and product lines. Benjamin Moore Regal vs. Behr Marquee vs. Sherwin-Williams Duration have very different costs and coverage. Specify in writing.
Define Scope Clearly
Spell out exactly what surfaces are included, number of coats, sheen levels, and what is excluded. "Paint living room" is vague. "2 coats eggshell on walls, 2 coats semi-gloss on trim" is clear.
Include a Validity Period
Paint and labor costs change. State that your estimate is valid for 30 days. This protects you if clients wait months to decide and material prices have increased.
Get Deposit Before Starting
Require 25-50% deposit before work begins to cover materials and protect against cancellation. Balance due on completion or on a payment schedule for large jobs.
Never Quote Over the Phone
Clients describe projects optimistically. What they call "good condition" might need serious prep work. Always see the job before giving a firm price.
Specify Number of Coats
State exactly how many coats are included. Otherwise clients expect unlimited coats until coverage is "perfect" - which may never happen on dramatic color changes.
Why Use This Painting Estimate Template
Move beyond templates and transform your invoicing workflow
Win More Jobs
Professional, detailed estimates build trust with homeowners. When clients compare quotes, the painter with the clearest breakdown often wins - even if not the cheapest.
Stop Underpricing Jobs
This template ensures you account for every cost - prep work, materials, labor, and overhead. Protect your margins on every project.
Avoid Disputes
Written estimates prevent misunderstandings about scope, paint colors, number of coats, and what surfaces are included. Everything is documented before work starts.
Save Hours Every Week
Stop recreating estimates from scratch. This template has all the sections you need - just fill in the numbers for each job.
Better Job Planning
Know exactly what materials to order, how many labor hours to schedule, and what to expect for profit before you commit to the work.
Scale Your Business
Consistent estimating lets you train employees, compare job profitability, and grow your painting business systematically.
Ready to upgrade from templates?
Join thousands of professionals who've switched to Invoice Mama for faster, easier invoicing.
No credit card required • 5 invoices & estimates per month for free
Templates are great. Automation is better.
Stop filling out the same information over and over. Invoice Mama remembers your details, tracks your clients, and automates the boring stuff so you can focus on your work.
Save 5+ hours every month on invoicing tasks.
What you get with Invoice Mama:
Get started for free. No credit card required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about painting & decorating invoices
Still have questions?
Get in touch with us →More Estimate Templates
Find the perfect template for your project
Contractor Estimate Template
Download free contractor estimate template for accurate project pricing. Track materials, labor & costs professionally. Excel, PDF & Word formats available.
View TemplateHandyman Estimate Template
Download a professional handyman estimate template. Excel, PDF & Word formats. Track repairs, materials & labor costs. Free forever.
View TemplateHome Renovation Estimate Template
Download a free home renovation estimate template. Track renovation costs, materials, labor. Professional house renovation cost template with examples.
View Template