Guide · Estimates
Painting estimate template
A worked painting example, the exclusions that matter in this trade, and a PDF you can print. No sign-up.
A painting estimate needs your business details and license number, the customer and job address, one line per task and material with quantity and price, the total, any deposit, what is excluded, and a place to approve. The template below is the generic contractor estimate pre-filled with a painting job so you can see what good looks like, plus the exclusions painters most often forget. It's free, printable, and there's no sign-up.
Download the painting template
Download the PDF (US Letter, 1 page)
The example rows are in grey; write over them. Blank rows below for your own lines, then tax, deposit, exclusions, terms and a signature line. The blank version has no example.
Worked example: Repaint living room and hallway walls, two coats, patch nail holes; trim and ceilings excluded
| Line | Qty | Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prep: patch, sand and mask | 6 hr | $55.00 | $330.00 |
| Paint walls, two coats: living room and hallway | 1 job | $1,850.00 | $1,850.00 |
| Interior paint, eggshell (gallon) | 4 gal | $52.00 | $208.00 |
| Tape, plastic, caulk and supplies | 1 ea | $65.00 | $65.00 |
| Total before tax | $2,453.00 | ||
| Deposit to start | $613.25 (25%) |
Example prices only; use yours. In Settle you'd say this job out loud and it writes these lines from the prices you charged last time.
Exclusions to put on every painting estimate
- Trim, doors, ceilings and closets are not included.
- Customer moves furniture and removes wall hangings before the start date; or add 2 hours labor.
- Color: one color for all walls; each additional color adds a setup charge.
- Repair of water damage or large drywall sections quoted separately.
Terms that fit painting work
Valid for 30 days. 25% deposit to schedule, balance on completion after a walkthrough. Two coats of the paint listed above; brand or sheen changes may change the price.
What matters in painting estimates
- Count the coats and name the sheen. "Two coats, eggshell" is a spec. "Paint the living room" is an argument waiting to happen.
- Exclude trim and ceilings in writing. Most disputes on a wall job are about the trim nobody mentioned. Put it in the exclusions box every time.
- Who moves the furniture. Say it, and price the alternative. Two hours of moving furniture is real labor.
- Take a deposit. Paint is bought up front. A 25% deposit on the estimate means you're not funding the job.
Copy the text version
Paste into Notes, a text or an email and change the numbers.
[Your business name] [Phone] · [Email] · License #[number] ESTIMATE #0001 Date: [date] Valid until: [date] Prepared for: [Customer name] Job address: [address] Job: Repaint living room and hallway walls, two coats, patch nail holes; trim and ceilings excluded ITEMS Prep: patch, sand and mask 6 hr × $55.00 = $330.00 Paint walls, two coats: living room and hallway 1 job × $1,850.00 = $1,850.00 Interior paint, eggshell (gallon) 4 gal × $52.00 = $208.00 Tape, plastic, caulk and supplies 1 ea × $65.00 = $65.00 TOTAL BEFORE TAX: $2,453.00 Not included: - Trim, doors, ceilings and closets are not included. - Customer moves furniture and removes wall hangings before the start date; or add 2 hours labor. - Color: one color for all walls; each additional color adds a setup charge. - Repair of water damage or large drywall sections quoted separately. Terms: Valid for 30 days. 25% deposit to schedule, balance on completion after a walkthrough. Two coats of the paint listed above; brand or sheen changes may change the price. Approved by: ______________________ Date: ________
Is this painting estimate template free?
Yes. Download the PDF or copy the text. There is no sign-up and no watermark beyond a one-line footer you can cut off.
What should a painting estimate include?
Business details and license number, customer and job address, an estimate number and valid-until date, one line per task and material with quantity and price, the total, any deposit, exclusions, terms, and a signature line. This template has all of them.
Can I make a painting estimate on my phone instead?
Yes. Settle is a free iPhone app for painters: describe the job out loud and it writes a priced estimate from your own prices, which you text from your own phone. See the painting estimate app page.
Or say the job and Settle writes the painting estimate for you.
Free on iPhone. Unlimited estimates and invoices. 7 days of Pro to try the voice drafts, and you cancel in two taps.
Download on the App StoreiPhone, iOS 17 or later. Questions? Text Nina: (818) 945-9686