Painting Quote Example (Annotated)
An annotated painting quote you can copy the structure from, then generate your own live.
A strong painting quote example shows itemised m² quantities, prep, exclusions, validity and a clear GST line, not a single number in a text. Use the annotated structure below, then generate your own quote with the live calculator.
General information for Australian painting businesses, not legal, financial, tax or safety advice. Rules change and vary by state or territory. Confirm anything you rely on with the relevant regulator (the ATO and ACCC) before acting.
Example quote structure
| Line | Why it is there |
|---|---|
| Business header | Name, phone, email, ABN (recommended on quotes; mandatory on tax invoices) |
| Client + job address | Who the quote is for and where the work happens |
| Quote number + date + validity | Traceability and how long the price holds |
| Scope summary | Rooms/surfaces included so acceptance is unambiguous |
| Walls 85 m² × 2 coats | Quantity in m² and coats; labour and materials stay separable |
| Ceilings 40 m² × 2 coats | Separate line so ceiling production rates do not hide |
| Prep (fill, sand, spot prime) | Prep hours called out so they are not absorbed into a round number |
| Exclusions | What is not included (e.g. wallpaper removal, structural repair) |
| Subtotal ex-GST / GST / total inc-GST | Clear GST treatment; lead with inclusive total for consumers |
Source: business.gov.au — prepare quotes Source: ACCC — price displays
Worked numbers (illustrative)
Example interior repaint: walls 85 m² and ceilings 40 m² at two coats, light prep, GST-registered. Your rate and prep grade will change the total. The calculator below uses the same engine as the Kastrion app so you can swap in real areas.
Generate your own
Quote vs estimate vs invoice
Quotes lock a price to a scope. Estimates are approximate. Tax invoices are the ATO document for payment and must include your ABN when you are required to quote one. Full quoting method →
Download a template
Prefer a static file? Free painting quote templates (PDF and more) →
Frequently asked questions
What does a good painting quote look like?
An itemised document with your business details, client and job address, scope, m² quantities, prep called out, exclusions, validity, and clear GST treatment. A bare total in a text message is not a quote clients can accept with confidence.
Is a quote legally binding?
Once a client accepts a firm quote for a defined scope, treat it as a binding commercial agreement. Make inclusions, exclusions and price unambiguous before you send it.
Should GST be shown on a painting quote?
If you are GST-registered, show the treatment clearly. For homeowners, Australian Consumer Law expects a single total price that includes GST. Business-to-business quotes can be ex-GST if you make that clear.
What is the difference between a quote and an estimate?
An estimate is approximate and can move. A quote is a firm price for a defined scope. Painters win more with a firm, well-scoped quote.