Creating Painting Quotes That Close Deals
Painting is one of the most competitive home improvement services. Homeowners often get overwhelmed by wildly different pricing from multiple painters. The contractor who provides a clear, detailed quote that explains what is included, what materials will be used, and how long the project will take has a distinct advantage. Clients choose the painter they trust, and a professional quote builds that trust before a single brushstroke.
Structuring a Winning Painting Quote
Break your quote into logical sections that clients can easily understand:
- Surface preparation — sanding, scraping, patching, caulking, and pressure washing with estimated hours
- Primer application — areas requiring primer and reason (new drywall, dark-to-light color change, stain blocking)
- Interior walls — per-room or per-square-foot pricing with number of coats and finish type
- Trim, baseboards, and crown molding — linear feet or per-room pricing with finish specification
- Ceilings — square footage, number of coats, and whether sprayed or rolled
- Doors and windows — per-unit pricing including prep, prime, and finish coats
- Cabinets — per-door/drawer pricing if applicable
- Exterior-specific — siding, fascia, soffits, gutters, shutters, and deck or fence staining
- Materials — paint brand, product, finish, and estimated quantity with client approval of selections
Quoting Best Practices for Painters
Visit the site before quoting. Photos and measurements during the walkthrough let you provide accurate pricing and demonstrate thoroughness. Note the current wall condition, existing paint type (latex vs. oil-based), ceiling height, and any obstacles like built-in shelving or stone fireplaces that affect production speed.
Specify exactly how many coats are included. Two coats of finish paint is the minimum for professional quality, but dramatic color changes may require three. Setting this expectation in the quote prevents mid-project disputes. Also clarify whether your quote includes the cost of paint or if the client is supplying materials.
Price competitively but do not race to the bottom. Painters who charge $1.50–$3.00 per square foot for interior walls (materials included) deliver quality results that justify the cost. Educate clients on why professional preparation and premium paint outlast a cheap job by years.
Build Your Painting Quote
BillThemToday's free quote generator helps you create detailed painting quotes with room-by-room breakdowns, material specifications, and professional formatting. Send quotes that demonstrate your expertise before you even open a paint can.