For UK painters and decorators

Painter and decorator quote template (UK)

A clear layout for a decorating quote that sets out preparation, coats, coverage, VAT and terms properly, so the customer knows exactly what is included before a single wall is filled.

Last updated 15 July 2026 · 6 min read

What a painter and decorator quote should include

Decorating quotes go wrong in one predictable place: preparation. The paint on top is the easy bit, but the filling, sanding, caulking and priming underneath is where the hours and the finish actually live. A good decorating quote prices the preparation honestly, states the number of coats plainly, and leaves no argument about who supplies the paint.

Your business and registration. Trading name, address, contact and your VAT number if registered.
The customer and the site. Their name and the property address, and whether the work is interior or exterior.
A specific scope. The rooms or elevations, the surfaces involved, walls, ceilings and woodwork, and the preparation you will carry out before any paint goes on.
Preparation. Filling and making good, sanding, caulking gaps, and priming, including a mist coat on new plaster where needed.
Coats and coverage. State the number of coats per surface and remember coverage per litre drops on bare plaster, porous or dark surfaces, so material quantities rise.
Labour and materials. Days by your rate, plus paint, filler, caulk, abrasives and sundries, and say plainly whether the paint is supplied by you or the customer.
Access. Ladders, a tower or steps for high stairwells and exterior work, priced in rather than assumed.
VAT. If registered, subtotal, 20% VAT and total. If not, say so.
Timeline and payment terms. Days on site, drying time between coats, when you expect payment and any deposit against ordered paint.
Exclusions and validity. Note what is out, such as full replastering, and add "Valid for 30 days" so a paint price does not follow you around after supplier costs move.

A painter and decorator quote example

The figures below are illustrative and shown only to demonstrate the layout. They are not market rates. Price every job from your own supplier prices and day rate.

Section	Detail	Amount (example only)
Preparation and making good	Fill, sand, caulk gaps, spot prime and mist coat new plaster	£X
Ceilings and walls (2 coats)	Two coats emulsion to prepared ceilings and walls	£X
Woodwork (prime plus 2 coats)	Prime bare timber, then two coats to skirting, doors and frames	£X
Materials (paint and sundries)	Paint, filler, caulk, abrasives and masking	£X
Subtotal		£X
VAT (20%, if registered)		£X
Total		£X

Scope note: "Prepare and redecorate the named rooms: fill and sand, caulk gaps, spot prime and mist coat new plaster, two coats emulsion to ceilings and walls, prime and two coats to woodwork. Excludes full replastering and wallpaper removal." Terms note: "Price assumes surfaces are sound and require normal preparation only. Any extensive making good found once surfaces are stripped back will be quoted and agreed in writing before proceeding. Valid for 30 days."

The mistakes that cost decorators money on a quote

Under-pricing the preparation. This is the biggest one. Filling, sanding, caulking and priming eat the hours, and if the prep is priced thin the whole job runs at a loss no matter how fast you paint.
Not stating the number of coats. "Repaint" lets the customer assume two or three coats while you priced one. Say how many coats per surface so coverage on bare plaster or dark walls is understood.
Ambiguous "make good". That phrase can mean a bit of filler or a week of repair. Spell out what preparation is included and what counts as extra.
Not saying who supplies the paint. If the customer buys their own colour and it covers poorly, the extra coats are on you unless the quote states paint is supplied by them.
Not pricing access equipment. High stairwells and exterior elevations need a tower or ladders. Price the access rather than absorbing it.
Confusing a quote with an estimate. A quote is a fixed price. An estimate can move. Label the document as one, never both. See quote vs estimate.

Should a decorator send a quote or an estimate?

For a defined redecoration, sound walls and woodwork that need normal preparation and an agreed number of coats, quote a fixed price. For surfaces of unknown condition, old plaster that may blow, flaking exterior paint or damp behind wallpaper that only shows once you strip back, an estimate with a firm quote to follow is the honest approach. Put the preparation and the making good line in writing either way. Our guide to quote vs estimate for UK trades explains when each is fairer.

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This page is practical quoting guidance, not legal advice, and it does not cover any registration or safety obligations, which are set by the applicable rules. For a serious dispute or a large sum, take proper advice.

Painter and decorator quote FAQ

What should a painter and decorator quote include?

Your business and VAT details if registered, the customer and site, a specific scope, the preparation involved, the number of coats and the surfaces covered, a breakdown of labour and materials, VAT, a timeline, payment terms, exclusions and a validity period.

How do I quote a room repaint?

Measure the walls, ceiling and woodwork, price the preparation such as filling, sanding, caulking and priming, then state the number of coats per surface, whether paint is supplied by you or the customer, and any access equipment for high stairwells or exterior work.

Should a decorator send a quote or an estimate?

For a defined redecoration to sound surfaces, quote a fixed price. For surfaces of unknown condition that may need extensive repair once you strip back, give an estimate first and a firm quote to follow once the making good is understood.

Do painters and decorators charge VAT on a quote?

If you are VAT registered, show the subtotal, 20% VAT and the total. If you are not registered, say so clearly on the quote so the total is not misread.