Eagle InvoicePainters quote template
A painting quote wins or loses on detail. Clients comparing three quotes pick the one that spells out exactly what's being painted, how many coats, and what's not included — because it reads like the painter who'll do the job properly.
What a painter quote should include
- Surface preparation itemised separately (filling, sanding, taping, washing down)
- Number of coats per surface — two coats is standard; dark-over-light colour changes may need three
- Whether paint is supplied by you or the client, and the brand/range (e.g. premium acrylic vs trade line)
- Interior surfaces priced per room; exterior surfaces priced per square metre
- Access equipment for high work (scaffold, trestles) listed as its own line
- Cleanup and protection of floors, furniture and gardens
- Your ABN, GST treatment, and how long the quote stays valid
Sample line items
| Line item | Unit | Typical range* |
|---|---|---|
| Interior walls — prep + 2 coats premium acrylic | per room | $350–$550 |
| Ceilings — flat white, 2 coats | per room | $180–$280 |
| Skirting, architraves & doors — enamel | per room | $120–$200 |
| Exterior weatherboards — wash, prep, 2 coats | per m² | $25–$45 |
| Paint supply (when you supply premium paint) | per litre | $80–$120 |
*Illustrative ranges only — every market and job is different, so set rates that work for your business. Eagle Invoice lets you save your own line items and reuse them on every quote.
Quoting tips from the field
- Take photos at the measure-up and reference them in the quote — it kills disputes about what was included.
- Write the paint brand and range into the quote. If the client later asks for a dearer paint, it's a clean variation.
- Call out prep exclusions in writing: rotten timber repair, mould treatment, and wallpaper removal are separate charges.
- For exterior jobs, add a weather clause — rain delays aren't your fault, but an unhappy client who expected a finish date feels otherwise.
Common questions
Do painters charge GST on quotes?
If you're registered for GST, show the ex-GST amount, the 10% GST, and the total separately — clients trust a quote they can follow. Once the job is done, the invoice for anything over $82.50 (incl. GST) must be a proper tax invoice showing your ABN.
Should painters take a deposit?
A deposit on materials is common and reasonable, but check your state's rules first — for example, Victoria caps deposits at 10% for domestic building work over $5,000. State the deposit clearly on the quote so there's no awkward conversation later.
How long should a painting quote stay valid?
30 days is the norm. Paint and labour costs move, and a quote accepted six months later can quietly lose you money. Put the expiry date on the quote itself.