What does a painting scope of work include?

It covers prep, priming, painting, and cleanup. It defines what surfaces are painted, how many coats, paint colors and products, and payment terms.

How many coats of paint do I need?

Most repaints need 2 coats. Color changes or bare surfaces may need a coat of primer plus 2 coats of paint. One coat is rarely enough for a quality finish.

Should I provide the paint?

Most professional painters prefer to supply the paint — they get contractor pricing and can ensure the right products. You choose the colors, they handle the rest.

What about lead paint?

Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint. The EPA requires certified contractors to follow specific procedures when disturbing lead paint. Testing is required before work begins.

Can I modify this template?

Yes. Adjust for your specific job — interior only, exterior only, new construction, or specialty finishes like cabinets or faux painting.

Painting Scope of Work Template | Free Download 2026

Paint jobs go sideways when the prep expectations aren't clear. A scope of work defines what's being painted, how many coats, what's being prepped, and what the painter is NOT responsible for. This template covers interior and exterior painting — prep, prime, paint, and cleanup. It's simple enough to use on any residential or commercial job. Fill in the details and hand it to your client.

Project Overview

This scope covers painting work including surface preparation, priming, painting, and cleanup. Applicable to interior and exterior residential and commercial projects.

Typical Projects Include:

Interior whole-house repaint
Exterior house painting
Commercial office painting
Accent walls and feature painting
Cabinet painting
New construction paint

Scope of Work

Prep

Task	Description
Protection	Cover floors, furniture, fixtures, and landscaping with drop cloths and plastic.
Surface Prep	Scrape, sand, and fill cracks, holes, and imperfections. Caulk gaps at trim and joints.
Cleaning	Clean surfaces to be painted. Power wash exterior surfaces (if exterior scope).
Masking	Tape off trim, windows, hardware, and areas not being painted.

Painting

Task	Description
Priming	Apply primer to bare surfaces, stains, patches, and color changes. Spot-prime or full-prime as needed.
Wall Paint	Apply specified number of coats to walls and ceilings. Cut in edges and roll field areas.
Trim & Doors	Paint all trim, baseboards, crown molding, doors, and door frames.
Touch-Up	Touch up any missed spots, drips, or imperfections after the final coat dries.

Cleanup & Closeout

Task	Description
Remove Protection	Remove all tape, plastic, and drop cloths. Reinstall switch plates and hardware.
Cleanup	Clean up all paint supplies, debris, and overspray. Leave the space spotless.
Walkthrough	Walk the project with the client. Note any touch-up items and address them.
Paint Left Behind	Leave leftover paint (labeled by room/area) with the homeowner for future touch-ups.

Timeline & Milestones

Most residential paint jobs take 3-7 days for interior, 4-10 days for exterior.

Phase	Duration	Description
Prep	1-3 days	Surface prep, repairs, priming, and protection.
Painting	2-5 days	Walls, ceilings, trim, and doors.
Cleanup	0.5-1 day	Remove protection, touch-ups, and walkthrough.

Roles & Responsibilities

Property Owner

•Select paint colors and finishes
•Move furniture away from walls (or pay for painter to do it)
•Provide access to all areas being painted
•Process payments per the agreed schedule

Painting Contractor

•Provide all labor, paint, and supplies
•Prep all surfaces properly
•Apply paint per the agreed scope
•Protect floors, furniture, and fixtures
•Clean up and leave the space ready for use

Materials & Equipment

Paint

•Interior or exterior paint (brand and color specified)
•Primer
•Caulk and wood filler

Supplies

•Drop cloths and plastic sheeting
•Painter's tape
•Rollers, brushes, and sprayer

Prep Tools

•Sanders and scrapers
•Caulking gun
•Ladder or scaffolding

Quality Control Standards

Coverage

Full, even coverage with no thin spots, streaks, or missed areas.

Clean Lines

Cut lines at trim, ceiling, and corners are straight and clean.

Smooth Finish

No drips, runs, brush marks, or roller texture inconsistencies.

Safety Protocols

Ventilation

Ensure adequate ventilation when painting interior spaces. Use fans or open windows.

Ladder Safety

Use proper ladder setup and fall protection for high work.

Lead Paint

Test for lead paint in homes built before 1978. Follow EPA RRP Rule if lead is present.

Project Documentation

Signed contract and scope of work
Color selections by room or area
Paint product specifications
Before and after photos
Lead test results (if applicable)
Leftover paint inventory for homeowner

Financial Terms

Payment Structure

Painting projects are typically billed with a deposit and final payment.

Terms & Conditions

•Deposit due at contract signing (typically 30-50%)
•Progress payment at midpoint for larger projects
•Final payment due after walkthrough and completion
•Paint and materials included in the price (or itemized separately)
•Change orders for additional rooms, colors, or repairs

Acceptance Criteria & Sign-Off

The project is considered complete when the following criteria are met:

1All specified surfaces painted with the agreed colors and finishes
2Full, even coverage with no missed spots
3Clean cut lines at trim, ceilings, and edges
4No drips, runs, or brush marks
5All protection removed and space cleaned
6Leftover paint left with the homeowner

Frequently Asked Questions

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Painting Scope of Work Template