PaintersUpdated March 2026 · 2 min read

How to Quote Painting a House in Australia

Learn how to quote interior and exterior house painting. Covers paint calculation, surface preparation, labour rates, and pricing tips for Australian painters.

What to Include in a Painting Quote

A painting quote should cover: surface preparation (washing, sanding, filling, scraping), primer/undercoat (if needed), paint coats (usually 2), masking and protection, access equipment (ladders, scaffolding), and clean-up. Specify the paint brand, colour, and finish (matt, low sheen, semi-gloss, gloss) for each area.

How to Calculate Paint Quantities

One litre of paint covers approximately 12–16sqm per coat, depending on the surface and paint type. For a standard 3-bedroom house interior: walls require roughly 40–60 litres, ceilings 15–25 litres. Always add 10% extra for touch-ups and waste. Use QuoteMate to auto-calculate volumes based on room dimensions.

Interior vs Exterior Pricing

Interior painting: $20–$40/sqm (walls and ceilings, 2 coats). Exterior painting: $30–$60/sqm (due to prep, access, and weather risk). A full interior repaint for a 3-bedroom house typically costs $5,000–$12,000. Full exterior: $6,000–$18,000 depending on size, height, and surface condition.

Surface Preparation — The Key to a Good Quote

Prep work is where most painters underquote. Assess: peeling or flaking paint (needs scraping and sanding), cracks and holes (filling and sanding), mould or mildew (treatment before painting), bare timber (priming), and previously unpainted surfaces (sealer/primer). Always inspect every surface during your site visit and factor prep time into your quote.

Quoting Tips for Painters

1. Always quote after an in-person inspection — never quote from photos. 2. Break the quote into sections: prep, paint supply, and labour. 3. Specify how many coats (never assume the client knows). 4. Include access equipment costs for 2+ storey homes. 5. Note exclusions clearly (e.g., 'does not include wallpaper removal').