Free Painter Invoice Template & Generator
Build painting invoices for interior and exterior work, including prep, priming, painting, and specialty finishes. Bill by room or square foot.
Currency
Amount already received from client
Live Preview
Thank you for your business
What goes on a painter's invoice?
A painting invoice should separate preparation, labour, and paint, then describe the rooms or surfaces covered. Note the number of coats, the finish chosen, and the address and date so the client can match the charge to the work and refer back if they need touch-ups later.
Your invoice needs the job location address, not just the client's billing address, because paint jobs get identified by property. Break down materials separately from labor so clients can see what they paid for the premium paint versus your time. Include the square footage or number of rooms covered and the specific paint brand and finish you used. Property managers and tax accountants ask for this stuff constantly.
Most painters take 30-50% upfront to cover materials, then bill the rest on completion. For bigger jobs over a week, add a midpoint payment when you finish prep work. Do not offer net 30 terms unless it is a commercial client you trust. Residential customers should pay on completion or within a few days max. The longer you wait to send the final invoice after finishing, the longer they will take to pay.
Take photos of completed rooms and attach them to your invoice. Clients who see the finished work while reviewing the bill remember why they are happy to pay you. Also, separate each room or area as a line item if you are doing multiple spaces. When someone questions the total, you can point to exactly what you painted in the kitchen versus the bedroom.
Typical line items
- Surface preparation and patching
- Interior or exterior painting labour
- Paint and primer per area
- Materials such as tape, filler, and sandpaper
- Trim, door, and ceiling work
- Furniture moving and protection
- Number of coats applied
- Cleanup and waste removal
How the work is charged
Painters often quote a fixed price per room or per surface area, and may bill by the hour for small or undefined work. Prep-heavy jobs usually add a separate preparation charge.
Payment terms and deposits
Many painters take a deposit on larger interior or exterior jobs and collect the balance on completion. Smaller jobs are often paid in full once the work is finished and approved.
Tax and compliance
Add sales tax or VAT as a separate line with your registration number where applicable. Tax treatment of labour and materials can differ by country, so confirm what applies to your work.
Frequently asked questions
How do painters price their jobs?
Painters charge per square foot ($2–$6 interior, $3–$8 exterior), per room ($200–$800), or hourly ($35–$75). Include paint and materials at cost plus 20–30% or as a separate line item.
What should a painting invoice include?
List rooms or areas painted, number of coats, paint brand and color codes, prep work performed, square footage, and any specialty finishes (accent walls, trim, textured finishes).
Should painters charge for prep work separately?
Yes. Prep work (patching holes, sanding, removing wallpaper, taping) often takes 50% or more of the job. Itemize it so customers understand the full scope of work.
Related invoice templates
Read the complete invoicing guide to see how to fill out, number, and send an invoice that gets paid.
Browse all invoice templates →