Free painting estimate template
Fill in your details, the job and your prices, and download a clean painting estimate as a PDF. Totals and sales tax add up as you type. Free, no account; everything stays in your browser.
By the CurbMuse team · Last reviewed November 9, 2026
Free, no account. Your entries stay in this browser.
Writing a painting estimate clients trust
What to include
- Your business name, phone, email and license number if your state requires one.
- The client's name and the job address, the estimate number, the date and how long the price holds.
- A scope of work in plain words: which surfaces, how many coats, how you prepare them and protect the property.
- Line items for prep, primer, paint, labor and cleanup, so the client sees where the money goes.
- The total, sales tax if it applies, the deposit and when the balance is due.
- What isn't included, such as wood repair or lead paint work, and your warranty.
- Signature lines, so an accepted estimate doubles as the go-ahead.
Working out the numbers
Measure the paintable area (wall length × height, minus large windows and doors), then divide by the coverage printed on the paint can and multiply by the number of coats to get gallons. Estimate labor hours from your own past jobs on similar houses, and price prep separately: a house that needs heavy scraping and repairs takes far longer than one that only needs washing. Local material prices and labor rates vary a lot, so use your own.
Estimate, quote or proposal
An estimate is your best calculation and can change if the job turns out different; a quote is a fixed price. A proposal goes further, with options, colors and terms for the client to sign. Whichever you send, say on it which one it is.
Show the client their house, not just a price
With the CurbMuse Contractor plan, upload a photo of the client's house, try paint colors in seconds and send a proposal PDF with your logo: up to three color options on their own home, a color schedule, line-item pricing, your terms and a signature page.
Frequently asked questions
Something else? Email hello@curbmuse.com. We usually reply within 2 business days.
Is this painting estimate template free?
Yes. Fill it in and download the PDF as often as you like; there's no account and no watermark beyond a small footer line. The form is saved in your browser, so you can come back to it on the same device.
What should a painting estimate include?
Your business name and contact details, the client and job address, a clear scope of work, line items for prep, materials and labor, the total with any sales tax, how long the price is valid, payment and deposit terms, what isn't included, and signature lines.
Is an estimate the same as a quote or a proposal?
Not quite. An estimate is your best calculation of the price and can change if the job turns out different. A quote is usually a fixed price. A proposal adds more: options, colors, photos and terms the client signs. Say clearly on the document which one it is.
How long should a painting estimate be valid?
Many painters use 30 days, since paint and labor costs change. Set the number of days in the form; the PDF shows the date it expires.
Can I add my logo or show the client the new colors?
This free template is text only. The CurbMuse Contractor plan makes client proposals with your logo, up to three color options shown on a photo of the client's own house, a color schedule, line-item pricing and a signature page.
Help the client pick colors
Upload a photo of the house: AI finds the siding, trim, front door and garage door, and you can try any color on them in seconds.
Open the paint visualizer