The short version
A painting quote only holds if it says which surfaces are painted, how many coats go on and who supplies the paint. A painting quote is a fixed offer: it names the scope, the price, what is not included, and the date the price is good until.
Open the quote generator for paintersScope of work for the base package
The example quote is for repainting five rooms and 160 linear feet of trim, priced per room with labor included in the room price (so there is no separate day-labor line), with surfaces, coats and paint agreed in advance. The wording under each line is the kind of scope sentence you can copy and edit. Unit prices are example rates from the starter lines in the quote generator, not market prices, so replace them with your own.
| Included in the base price | Qty | Unit | Unit price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface preparation and fillingWash down, fill and sand the surfaces, caulk gaps and spot prime as needed. Preparation is usually longer than the painting. | 1 | job | $220.00 | $220.00 |
| PaintingCut in and roll the agreed number of coats to walls and ceiling. This per-room price includes the painter's labor, so there is no separate day-rate charge. Trim is priced on its own line. | 5 | room | $280.00 | $1,400.00 |
| Trim and baseboardPrep, caulk and finish trim and baseboard separately from the walls, since it needs different prep and a different coat count. | 160 | linear foot | $3.75 | $600.00 |
| Paint and materialsPaint, primer, caulk, tape, drop cloths and abrasives for the whole job. | 1 | job | $190.00 | $190.00 |
Optional add-ons
Options keep the base price clear and let the client say yes to extras without reopening the quote.
| Option the client can add | Qty | Unit | Unit price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One additional room, same coats and prep | 1 | room | $280.00 | $280.00 |
| Painted trim in a hallway or stairwell | 60 | linear foot | $3.75 | $225.00 |
Worked quote total
The base price is the offer. Options are added only when the client accepts them. The tax rate is an example only.
| Quote total | Base only | Base plus options |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | $2,410.00 | $2,410.00 |
| Options | $0.00 | $505.00 |
| Sales tax at an example rate of 8% | $192.80 | $233.20 |
| Quoted total | $2,602.80 | $3,148.20 |
Example payment schedule
A 30, 40 and 30 split is shown as an example. Choose a split that fits the size of the job and the cost of materials you carry.
| Payment | Share | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit when the quote is accepted | 30% | $780.84 |
| When prep is finished and the first coat is on | 40% | $1,041.12 |
| When the final coat is on and touch-ups are done | 30% | $780.84 |
| Total, base only | 100% | $2,602.80 |
Validity and acceptance
State a validity date, for example that the price holds for 30 days from the quote date. Then add an acceptance line: the client signs and dates the quote, or replies in writing, and the deposit starts the schedule. A signature block is a name, a signature and a date for the client and for you.
Exclusions for a painting quote
- Painting inside cabinets, closets or garages unless listed in the scope.
- Repair of structural cracks, mold or water damage behind the paint.
- Moving heavy furniture or removing wall hangings.
- Exterior surfaces, unless listed.
Change orders
A color change after the first coat starts, or an added room, is quoted as a written change in rooms, coats or linear feet at the rates shown.
Not ready to commit to a price?
A painter might give a rough estimate over the phone from room counts, then send a quote after a walkthrough that fixes surfaces, coats and paint. If the scope is still open, start with the painting estimate template and give a range.
Start your painting quote
Pick the trade, set quantities and options for your own job, add your terms and download it. Nothing needs an account.
Open the quote generator for paintersRelated pages
Last reviewed by InvoiceTools, Houston, Texas, on 11 October 2026.