Primeline Painting 01 6 min read Guide
What a painter quote should include
The lines that should be on every painting quote, and the ones whose absence tells you the price is too good to be true.
Short answer: The prep, itemised as its own line. If prep is not named and priced, the quote is hiding the part of the job that decides how long it lasts.
Why the prep line matters most
On the coast, the finish only lasts as long as the surface under it is sound. A quote that does not price the prep separately is either assuming none, or hiding it to look cheaper.
Do this first
- Ask for the licence number and check it on the state register.
- Get the quote in writing, with each line itemised.
- Confirm the start date and who does the work on the day.
Name the system, count the coats
A real quote names the primer and topcoat system and the number of coats. Named products let you compare quotes properly and check the system actually suits your exposure.
48%
of trade enquiries never get a follow-up call
AU trade buyer study
10 yr
workmanship warranty on a full job
Standard terms
< 2 hr
typical reply time in business hours
Our service promise
Swap these for real, sourced figures. Every stat should carry where it came from.
Red flag
A quote with no licence number, no written scope, and a cash-only deposit is the
pattern behind most of the horror stories. Walk away.
Good sign
A clear written scope, a named warranty, and a deposit paid to a business account
are what a real operator looks like.
Fixed price, and what can change it
A genuine fixed price only moves if you agree to extra work first, in writing. If you are ready, get a fixed-price quote or call and we will talk it through.
The cheap quote
The honest quote
A single round number with no breakdown.
Each line itemised, so you can compare like for like.
"Soft close" hardware, no brand named.
Named brands and finishes, written into the scope.
An allowance instead of a real price.
A fixed price built from the measured job.
Common questions
What is the single most important line on a painting quote?
The prep, itemised as its own line. If prep is not named and priced, the quote is hiding the part of the job that decides how long it lasts.
Should the quote name the paint?
Yes. It should name the primer and topcoat system and the number of coats. Named products let you compare quotes properly and check the system suits your exposure.
What does a fixed-price quote actually protect me from?
From the price climbing once prep starts. A real fixed price only changes if you agree to extra work first, in writing.