How do painters price by m²?

Measure the wall or ceiling area and multiply it by a rate that covers paint (if you supply it), labour and normal preparation. Show the area and the rate on the quote so the client can see how the number was built.

Should a painting quote include the paint?

It can be included, supplied by the client or covered by an allowance. Whichever you choose, write it on the quote, because disputes usually start from an unstated assumption.

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Painter quote template for South Africa

Zuvo Team4 October 20265 min read

Short answer: a painting quote should state the area in m², the preparation (which is most of the real work), the number of coats and the paint specification, who supplies the paint, and what is moved or protected. Below is a filled-in interior repaint example and a blank copy-paste version.

What a painter quote needs to include

List the preparation. Sanding, filling cracks, treating damp. It is where most of your time goes, and where cheaper quotes quietly cut corners.
State coats and paint. Number of coats, type (for example interior acrylic or enamel) and brand or quality level, so quotes can be compared fairly.
Price by area. Walls, ceilings and woodwork by m² or by item. Doors and frames are usually priced per item.
Say who supplies the paint. Included in your price, supplied by the client, or an allowance. Colour changes after painting starts should be a variation.
Cover protection and clean-up. Furniture moving, floor protection and cleaning, listed as a line so it is not assumed to be free.

A filled-in example

Naidoo Painting & Decorating

6 Marula Lane, Cape Town, 7708
072 555 0138 · naidoo@example.co.za

Quotation

Quote #QTE-0085
Date: 4 October 2026
Valid until: 18 October 2026

Prepared forMs C. Jacobs
14 Fynbos Close, Bergvliet, 7945

Description	Qty	Price	Total
Wall preparation — sanding, crack filling, damp-patch treatment	1	R2,800.00	R2,800.00
Walls — supply and apply 2 coats premium interior acrylic	210 m²	R38.00	R7,980.00
Ceilings — 2 coats	96 m²	R32.00	R3,072.00
Doors and frames — prime and 2 coats enamel	9 items	R280.00	R2,520.00
Furniture moving, floor protection and clean-up	1	R800.00	R800.00

SubtotalR17,172.00

VAT (15%)R2,575.80

TotalR19,747.80

Example only — business name, quantities and prices are illustrative, not real.

Blank template — copy and fill in

This version includes the VAT lines. If you are not VAT registered, delete the VAT row and the VAT number line.

QUOTATION — PAINTING

[Your Business Name]
[Address] · [Phone] · [Email]
VAT No: [Your VAT number, if registered]

Quote #: [QTE-0001]    Date: [DD Month YYYY]    Valid until: [DD Month YYYY]

Prepared for: [Client name], [Site address]

[Preparation: sanding, filling, damp treatment]        [1]     [R0.00]   [R0.00]
[Walls: coats, paint type]                              [__] m²  [R0.00]   [R0.00]
[Ceilings: coats, paint type]                           [__] m²  [R0.00]   [R0.00]
[Doors / frames / skirting: coats, enamel]              [__]     [R0.00]   [R0.00]
[Furniture moving, protection, clean-up]                [1]      [R0.00]   [R0.00]

                                          Subtotal:   [R0.00]
                                          VAT (15%):  [R0.00]
                                          Total:      [R0.00]

PAINT: [included / supplied by client / allowance of R___]. Colours confirmed before work starts.
EXCLUDES: [plaster repairs beyond minor cracks, other]
Valid for [14] days. Deposit: [40]% to secure the date.

Skip the retyping.

Describe the job in plain words and Zuvo builds the quote, adds your VAT, and emails it as a PDF.

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Three mistakes that cost painters money

Quoting only the painting. If prep is not on the quote, the client assumes it is free, and the cheaper competitor looks like a bargain.
No colour sign-off. Changing a colour after the first coat is a variation, and it should say so on the quote.
Ignoring access. High ceilings and stairwells need equipment. List it, or the job costs you more than you charged.

For the general structure behind any quote, read the general free quote template (for any business). Not in this trade? There are also templates for plumbers, electricians, roofers, builders. Once the job is done, use the matching invoice template, and if you are unsure whether to charge VAT at all, see when VAT registration applies.

Would you rather type the job and get the quote drafted for you? See Zuvo for painters, or build one now with the free quote generator.

Zuvo drafts painter quotes from a plain-English description

Describe the job, review the line items, and send a branded PDF quote, in your own template, every time.

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General business guidance and an illustrative template, not legal, technical or tax advice. Prices, quantities and business details in the example are made up. Check the registration, certificate and licensing rules that apply to your trade with the relevant professional body or your local municipality, and ask your own accountant about VAT.