Free painting proposal template
A proposal needs six parts. This template has all six, filled in with a sample painting job so you can see how it reads. Download it, or write your own from a few typed notes.
What is in it
Typed by the painter: "interior, living rm dining rm hallway, 2 coats walls, ceilings flat white, patch nail holes, customer picks color"
- Interior: living room, dining room, hallway.
- 2 coats on walls.
- Ceilings flat white.
- Patch nail holes.
- Customer picks color.
Warranty: 2 years on labor and workmanship
Deposit at signing: $875
Signature block: typed name, date, and the E-SIGN Act line.
Or fill it in from your notes
Type the job the way you would text it. It comes out in this format in about five seconds. No account needed.
30 days free, then $29 a month. No card to start.
Finished painting estimates to copy from
- Interior repaint estimate example, $3,650, 3 days
- Exterior repaint estimate example, $6,400, 5 days, weather permitting
- Cabinet painting estimate example, $4,200, 7 days
- Deck stain and seal estimate example, $1,350, 3 days including dry time
How to use it
Replace the company block with yours, keep the structure, and write the scope as a short list of what you will do, one item per line. Put one total price on it. Add a timeline and payment terms every time. Date it and give it an expiry, usually 30 days.
The parts most painters leave out
- Payment terms. "33% upfront, 33% midpoint, 33% on completion" on the proposal means it is never a conversation at the end of the job.
- A valid-through date. Prices move. Without one, an old bid can be accepted months later.
- A way to accept on the spot. A printed PDF has to be signed, scanned, and emailed back, and plenty of customers put that off. A link they can tap and type their name on takes a minute.
What to fill in on a painting proposal
- Every room or side of the house, by name
- Number of coats, and the prep: patch, caulk, sand, prime
- Who supplies the paint, which sheen, and that colors are picked by the customer
- What is not included, such as closets, ceilings, or moving furniture
Most painting arguments are about prep and about what was not included. Write both down and they do not happen.
Questions about painting estimates
What should a contractor estimate include?
Six parts: who it is from and who it is for, the scope of work as a short list, one total price, a timeline, payment terms with any deposit, and a way for the customer to accept. A warranty line and a valid-through date keep it from being argued over later.
Is an estimate legally binding?
Once the customer accepts it in writing, yes, for the scope and price on it. A typed name and e-signature on a phone counts under the E-SIGN Act. A number texted back and forth is much harder to hold anyone to.
Can I use this template as is?
Yes. Download the PDF, replace the company block with yours, and keep the structure. Or type your own job below and it is laid out for you in a few seconds.
Can I split payment into thirds?
Yes. Payment terms are yours to write. Pick Progress payments or write your own terms. The app collects the deposit and one balance request by card; a middle payment you collect yourself and record with Mark paid. Many painters use thirds, and you can change it per bid.
Can I include a color note?
Anything you type in the job notes goes on the proposal, so "customer picks color" shows up exactly like that.
Or skip the template
BidWriter Pro turns notes like "interior, living rm dining rm hallway, 2 coats walls, ceilings flat white, patch nail holes, customer picks color" into this proposal, sends it by text or email, collects the deposit by card when the customer accepts, and follows up if they go quiet. Free for 30 days, no card. See how it works for painters or open the sample your customer would see.
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