Painting Estimator Cheat Page
Learn the Basics of Plan Reading & Estimating
1. Understanding Painting Plans
- Finish Schedules: Primary source for wall, ceiling, and trim finishes.
- Interior Elevations: Show full wall surfaces, trim detail, and wall finish locations.
- Color Legend: Identifies paint types, codes, and sheen for each surface.
- Room Finish Plans: Confirm square footage and vertical dimensions.
Use color-coded highlighters to separate finishes by area and scope!
2. Takeoff Basics
- Measure wall areas: Length × Height = Square Footage
- Break out ceilings, walls, trim, and doors separately
- Adjust coverage based on texture or multiple coats
- Identify specialty coatings and wall protection (FRP, epoxy, etc.)
Always add 10–15% waste factor to account for overage and touch-up!
3. Manhour & Labor Estimating
- Wall Paint (smooth): ~0.05 hr/SF per coat
- Ceiling Paint: ~0.06 hr/SF per coat
- Trim Paint: ~0.3 hr/LF
- Doors: ~0.4–0.6 hr per side (per coat)
Add manhours for prep: masking, caulking, patching, sanding!
4. Building the Estimate
- Material Cost: Base on coverage per gallon and number of coats
- Labor Cost: Total manhours × painter’s rate (e.g., $60/hr)
- Subtotals: Separate walls, ceilings, trim, and doors
- Overhead & Profit: Apply markup to labor and material
Use digital takeoff tools or room-by-room worksheets for faster results!
5. Downloadable Tools
- 📥 Painting Labor Chart (PDF)
- 📥 Painting Takeoff Template (Excel)
- 📥 Estimating Calculator Sheet (Excel)
- 📥 Color & Finish Legend Template (PDF)
Preload product codes and labor factors into your estimating spreadsheet for speed!