How we estimate painting & coatings
Painting is measured by surface type: walls, ceilings, doors and frames, trim, exposed structure and exterior surfaces. Each carries its own coat count and production rate, which is why a single area rate rarely holds up.
Surface preparation, primers and specialty coatings such as epoxy, intumescent or high-performance finishes are listed separately so you can see what is driving the cost.
What we measure
- Interior walls and ceilings
- Doors, frames and trim (counted by item)
- Exterior siding, trim and masonry coatings
- Exposed structure, deck and piping
- Specialty coatings: epoxy, elastomeric, intumescent
- Surface preparation and priming
What to send us
- Floor plans and elevations
- Finish schedule with paint types and colors
- Door and frame schedule
- Specifications for coating systems and coat counts
What you receive
- Paintable area by surface type
- Item counts for doors, frames and trim
- Material (by gallon or litre) and labor breakdown
- Assumptions and exclusions
The exact contents and format are agreed when we quote the estimate.
Units of measure
- United States and Canada
- SF of surface, gallons, item counts
- United Kingdom (and metric projects)
- m² of surface, litres, item counts
