How to Quote a Painting Job: Australian Painter's Pricing Guide

Painting quotes need to balance detail with speed. Price too vague and you lose on margin; price too slowly and you lose to whoever quotes first. Here's how to price painting work accurately for the Australian market.

What a painting quote should include

• Business name, ABN, contact details
• Quote number and date
• Expiry date — 14–30 days; paint products and labour costs move
• Client name and site address
• Itemised scope — each surface or area as a line item
• Number of coats specified — "2 coats" vs "coat and touch-up" is a material difference
• Paint product and specification — brand, sheen, colour where known
• Preparation work included
• GST
• Payment terms

Square metre rates (2025 Australian market)

Interior walls — new paint or repaint:

• Single colour, standard conditions: $12–$22/m²
• Feature walls, multiple colours: $20–$35/m²
• Ceilings: $14–$24/m²
• Trim (skirtings, architraves, door frames): $5–$12/linear metre
• Doors — supply and paint: $80–$180/door depending on type

Exterior walls:

• Render or brick — 2 coats: $18–$35/m²
• Weatherboard — includes all prep: $22–$45/m² (higher due to prep time)
• Roof paint: $15–$30/m²

These are guide ranges — location, access, ceiling height, surface condition, and paint specification all affect the real price.

What to charge for preparation

Prep is where painting jobs blow out. Quote it explicitly, not buried in the m² rate:

• Fill and sand walls (light): included in standard rate
• Extensive crack/hole repairs: hourly rate, typically $80–$120/hr
• Strip and scrape (weatherboards): $10–$20/m² additional
• Pressure wash (exterior): $300–$600 depending on area
• Prime bare surfaces: separate line item at cost + margin

Material costs

Mid-range acrylic for interior walls runs $50–$90 per 10L; premium exterior products $80–$150 per 10L. Coverage is typically 10–13m² per litre. Add 10–15% for wastage and touch-ups.

Charge materials at cost plus 20–30% — you're sourcing, transporting and managing the materials, which takes time and carries risk.

How to measure a painting job on site

For interior rooms: measure the perimeter × ceiling height for wall area, then deduct large openings (doors and windows) at 1.5m² each. Don't deduct small windows — the trim adds labour. Ceiling is floor area. This gives you a quick estimate you can do during a site visit without complicated calculations.

For exteriors: measure the building perimeter × wall height, add gable ends separately, deduct large door and window openings.

Exclusions that matter on a painting quote

• "Assumes surfaces in sound condition — additional quoted separately if significant repairs required"
• "Assumes clear site access — delays due to other trades at client's risk"
• "Client to supply paint colour selection prior to start date"
• "Furniture removal not included"
• "Does not include window cleaning after work"

Related guides

• How to Write a Trade Quote in Australia
• How to Price a Job as a Tradie

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