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How to Start a Painting Business With Expert Advice from Painters Enterprise

Profile picture of Seth Richtsmeier, freelancer writer for Jobber Academy
Seth Richtsmeier
Sep 16, 2024 14 min read
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Starting a painting business the right way can help you get more customers, turn a profit, and do what you love for a living.

Take it from Graham Audenart, founder of Painters Enterprise. He’s helped thousands of homeowners since starting his company in 2003.

With some of Graham’s advice, we’ll take you through how to get started in the painting industry. And ways to build the foundation for a successful painting business.

Why start a painting business?

The painting industry is a great opportunity if you enjoy working with your hands and want to be your own boss.

One of the best reasons to start a painting business is that it’s relatively easy to get started. Unlike some other businesses, you don’t need a lot of expensive equipment or a large upfront investment.

You can start small with just a few basic tools and grow your business as you gain more experience.

And there’s always a demand for painting services. Homes and businesses need regular maintenance, and fresh paint is one of the easiest ways to make a space look new again. 

By starting your own business, you have the freedom to set your own schedule and decide which projects to take on. You can choose to work on homes, offices, or even larger buildings.

Plus, as you gain specialized skills—like cabinet painting or applying epoxy coatings—you can charge higher rates and increase your profits.

1. Learn professional painting skills

Whether you plan to work on homes or commercial buildings, having the right skills can help you avoid costly mistakes. Here are some important skills all painters should know:

  • Preparation techniques: You need to know how to scrape, patch, and sand surfaces to get them ready for painting. Proper prep work ensures the paint goes on smoothly and lasts longer.
  • Basic painting techniques: Mastering brushes and rollers will help you get an even coat of paint and avoid the need for touch-ups. Learn how to “cut in” paint, which is painting straight lines along edges without using tape.
  • Different types of paints: It’s important to know when to use the right type of paint, such as oil-based, latex, or acrylic. Each type is suited for different surfaces and environments.
  • Priming and painting order: Knowing when to use primer and the best order for painting a room (from top to bottom) can make your work more efficient.

If you’re planning to offer commercial painting services, you’ll need to learn some specialized skills as well:

  • Epoxy coatings: Epoxy is often used on floors in commercial spaces like warehouses and garages. Applying epoxy requires special training since it’s a different process than regular painting.
  • Line striping: This is used to paint lines in parking lots, roads, or athletic fields. It requires precision and specific equipment.
  • High-durability coatings: In commercial settings, you may need to apply coatings that can withstand heavy use. These coatings require different techniques than typical paints.

Getting hands-on experience is the best way to learn. Many painting contractors start by working for a painting company for one or two years. This experience can also give you insight into the industry and how to start a painting business of your own.

You have to know at least the basics. Just go work for someone for two or three years. Learn everything you possibly can.

You can also learn tons of stuff from the internet… but you still need to get hands-on experience before starting.

Graham Audenart Painters Enterprise

2. Create a business plan

A business plan acts like a roadmap for starting a painting business. It helps you stay focused on your goals, giving you a clear direction. You can make better decisions about how to grow your business and tackle challenges that come along.

If you need a loan or investment, most banks and lenders will ask to see your business plan. It demonstrates you’ve thought about how your business will make money and how you’ll handle expenses.

Components of a painting business plan

Your business plan should include the following:

  • Cover page: Include your business name and the date.
  • Table of contents: List the different sections of your business plan so it’s easy to navigate.
  • Executive summary: Provide a recap of the entire plan, highlighting the key points.
  • Business overview: Describe your painting business, including the types of services you’ll offer—whether residential, commercial, or both—and the customers you plan to serve.
  • Services list: Detail the painting services you’ll provide. This might include interior and exterior painting, cabinet painting, or specialized commercial services.
  • Pricing strategy: Outline your rates for each service. Consider factors like the cost of materials, labor, and desired profit margins.
  • Market analysis: Identify the area you’ll serve and the demographics of your target customers. Research local competition to understand the market demand.
  • Competitive analysis: Identify the strengths and weaknesses of other painting businesses in your area. Explain how your business will stand out.
  • Marketing plan: Develop a strategy for reaching your ideal customers. This could include online marketing, local advertising, or partnerships with real estate agents and property managers.
  • Employee planning: If you plan to hire employees or subcontractors, outline the roles you’ll need and a timeline for hiring.
  • Financial projections: Provide estimates for your first year of business, including expected income, expenses, and cash flow.

Even if you don’t need a business plan to get a loan, it’s smart to create one. You can find a more complete guide to writing a business plan from the Small Business Administration.

3. Register your business

Once you’ve chosen a unique painting company name, you’re ready to complete the paperwork you need to run your business legally.

First, decide what business structure you want to register your business as. These are the typical options for small businesses:

  • Sole proprietorship: You run your operations alone and want complete control over your business.
  • Partnership: You’re opening your painting business with two or more people who are still legally considered self-employed.
  • Limited liability company (LLC): You run a medium or high-risk business, and you want to protect yourself from personal liability.

READ MORE: Should I incorporate my small business?

Then you’ll need to register your company name. This process is different depending on where you live:

Pro Tip: Type “YOUR CITY NAME + business laws” into Google to find your local regulations for painting businesses.

Get a business license

A business license is what legally allows you to run your business. You need a license to operate your business—no exceptions.

The specific kind of license you need will vary from state to state. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce or the Small Business Administration (SBA) to find out what you need.

Licensing and registration can cost between $75 and $400 USD per year, depending on your region. You’ll need to display your business license in your office or when asked to provide proof of registration.

4. Get painting business insurance

Painting insurance protects you, your business, and your future employees from losses caused by injury, property damage, or other unexpected incidents.

There are different types of insurance you can choose from, depending on the coverage you need:

  • General liability insurance covers you financially if someone is injured on the job site or a customer’s property is damaged.
  • Commercial property insurance protects you in the event your office, storage space, or painting equipment is damaged.
  • Commercial auto insurance covers your company vehicle in case of collision or other damage.
  • Workers’ compensation protects your business if an employee is injured on the job.

Or, opt for a business owner’s policy that packages insurance for small business owners. This type of policy typically includes general liability, commercial property, and business income insurance.

Insurance is your safety net, and it’s an essential part of running your painting business. Shop around for the right insurance plan for your small business and check out various providers in your area.

5. Set up a business bank account

Open a business bank account and get a business credit card to keep your business’s finances and assets separate from your personal ones. This is the first step to easier bookkeeping, and it’s a requirement if you decide to incorporate your business.

Then use small business accounting software like QuickBooks Online to track expenses, run payroll, and keep your business’s finances organized.

Details on Jobber’s integration with QuickBooks Online

6. Decide which types of painting services to offer

Choosing what services you want to offer will help hone your skills and focus your marketing strategy. It will also save you from promising work that you’re not prepared to do.

Here are some types of painting services you might offer:

  • Interior painting
  • Exterior painting
  • Construction painting
  • Repaints
  • Staining
  • Drywall repairs
  • Wallpaper removal
  • Metal door painting
  • Deck reconditioning
  • Pressure washing or power washing

The painting services you offer should depend on what you want to do, what you’re good at, and what your clients need.

7. Choose your painting equipment

Painting equipment can be expensive, so start by investing in the essentials and build your inventory of equipment over time.

If you’re a house painter, you’ll need the following painting supplies:

  • A few brushes of different sizes
  • Roller
  • Paint tray
  • Drop cloths
  • Sandpaper
  • Painter’s tape
  • Scrapers
  • Ladder and a caulking gun (for exterior paint jobs)

You can rent advanced tools, like paint sprayers, when you actually need them. Those can cost over $500 to purchase and eat into your other important startup costs.

For commercial painting jobs, you’ll absolutely need:

  • A ladder
  • Canvas drop cloths
  • Caulk and compound
  • Sandpaper and scrapers
  • Industrial primer
  • A pressure washer
  • A tape measure
  • Stir sticks
  • An extension pole
  • Edging tools

Graham recommends always keeping your paint tools with you, and not borrowing supplies from your clients, or the painters you’re working with.

“As soon as you find yourself in a situation where you need a specific tool, go out and get the tool. You need proper tools to get the job done properly!”

Equipment cost breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs for basic supplies you’ll need to get started. As you take on larger or more specialized projects, you may need additional tools that will increase your total cost.

ToolWhy you need itMinimum cost
BrushesFor detailed and precise painting$30
Rollers and roller coversTo cover large areas quickly and evenly$50
Paint trays and linersTo hold paint and keep the workspace organized$20
Drop clothsTo protect furniture and floors from paint spills$30
Painter’s tapeFor creating clean lines and protecting surfaces$15
Sandpaper and scrapersTo prepare surfaces before painting$10
Caulking gun and caulkTo seal gaps and cracks before painting$20
Large equipment
LaddersTo reach high areas$150
Paint sprayerFor quickly applying even coats on large surfaces$250
Safety gear
Safety glassesTo protect your eyes from splashes and debris$10
Dust masks or respiratorsFor protection against dust and paint fumes$20
Work glovesTo protect hands from chemicals and rough surfaces$10
Other supplies
Buckets and ragsFor mixing paint and cleaning up$20
Toolbox or storageTo keep your tools organized$50

Invest in painting business software

In addition to equipment, you’ll need painting contractor software to keep you organized. It helps you control your entire operations in one place.

Here what you can do with Jobber’s painting software:

  • Quickly create professional estimates that include suggested add-ons or optional packages. Jobber helps you set the right price every time with quote markups.
  • Add painting jobs to your schedule quickly. Jobber lets you visualize your visits for the day and automatically generate most fuel efficient routes.
  • Manage customer details, work orders, and communication—from the office or on the go. Jobber makes it easy to keep track of the information you need, like room measurements or paint colors, to complete jobs smoothly.
  • Instantly convert a painting job into a professional invoice that’s ready to send to clients. Then set up automated payment reminders to get paid faster and improve your cash flow.

8. Learn how to price your services for profit

You need to estimate your painting jobs properly to keep your small business profitable. To accurately price your painting services:

  • Visit the client’s home or building and inspect the conditions of the space
  • Estimate how many hours it will take you to complete the job
  • Multiply the time by the cost of labor
  • Add your materials, overhead costs, and your desired profit margin
  • Use software to total the estimate and send your client a copy of the quote

READ MORE: How to estimate and quote a painting job

Quoting software like Jobber lets you create customer-friendly quotes in minutes. Suggest optional services (like wallpaper removal or drywall repair) directly on your quote and automate your follow-ups to keep work moving forward.

An interior house painting quote created with Jobber.

When customers are ready, they can approve or request changes to their quote online in client hub, their self-serve portal.

Customer signature on a quote in the Jobber App

9. Get your first painting customers

The first step to marketing your painting business is establishing a brand and an online presence. These make your business easy for a potential customer to find.

Try these three marketing strategies to reach new customers fast:

Brand your painting business

Your brand is how the public sees your business. It’s the look and personality of your company, and it should hint at what sets you apart from your competitors. To build your brand:

  • Know your value proposition. What makes your painting company different? It could be your main client base (e.g., senior citizens, clients who work night shifts), your values (e.g., being eco-friendly), or a personality trait you’re proud of. Write a short, memorable line that summarizes that.
  • Create a logo and choose your company colors. Try an online logo generator like Looka to make something simple and easy to read. Your logo and colors should reflect what makes your business unique.
  • Choose a uniform. This helps you (and your team) represent your company when you’re on the job. You could order t-shirts with your name and logo, or even pants, hats, or face masks that match your brand colors.
  • Make branded business cards and vehicle decals that include your logo, company name, phone number, website, and email address.

Pro Tip: Get a dedicated business phone number and email address. There are free email options available, or you can use a custom name after the ‘@’ symbol if you’ve purchased a domain name for your website.

Build an online presence

Most of your future clients are looking for businesses online. Setting up your online presence helps potential customers easily find your business on the internet and contact you.

Here are a few simple ways to build an online presence:

READ MORE: How to build an online presence for your business: 4 low-cost steps

Facebook page for Painters Enterprise

Advertise your painting services

With a brand-new business, you need to work extra hard to find clients who’ll hire you. Here are some of the best low-cost marketing strategies for new painting businesses:

READ MORE: 6 painting flyer examples and templates to get more leads

Here’s a look at what Graham Audenart of Painters Enterprise includes on his business cards:

Example of a painting business card

I try to get my guys to do a lot of one-to-one networking in the field.

We review our invoices and quotes each month, and we track where they come from. A lot of clients come from BNI. That’s why we focus our advertising and marketing there.

Graham Audenart Painters Enterprise

10. Hire subcontractors or employees

Subcontractors are great for projects that require specific skill sets, while employees are great for on-going, long term projects.

Hiring painting subcontractors has helped Graham complete more work, take on bigger jobs, open more locations. You can rely on subcontractors to supply all their own materials, which is one less expense and responsibility to worry about.

We need to get jobs done fast and well. Our regular subcontractors are able to finish some jobs in five hours for about $500 for the day.

Pro Tip: Make sure you’ve read your local subcontracting laws before you start hiring a subcontractor.

Employees, on the other hand, will stay with you on a consistent, permanent basis—so you have a team you can train and grow with. You’ll have to budget for each painter’s salary as well as employee benefits, training, and additional paint tools.

READ MORE: Subcontractors vs. employees: a complete overview

Grow your painting business with confidence

Running a painting business and doing what you love is going to be extremely rewarding. You’re taking a big step. But if you make a careful business plan for your service offerings, estimating, advertising, and hiring, you’ll be successful.

Come back to this guide when you need help, and check out our painting business resources for more advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, starting a painting business can be a good idea if you have painting skills, enjoy working with your hands, and want to be your own boss. If there’s a demand for painting services in your area, you can start small and grow your business over time. It’s easy to get started, and you don’t need a lot of expensive equipment.
A painting business can be quite profitable if you manage your expenses well and price your services correctly. How profitable you are will depend on the types of jobs you take, how efficiently you work, and how well you market your services.
Startup costs can range from about $2,000 to $8,000. This includes expenses like tools, equipment, insurance, and marketing. If you need a vehicle, the cost will be higher.
To start a painting company, you’ll need:

– Basic painting tools and equipment
– A business license
– Insurance
– And possibly a vehicle for transporting your equipment

It’s also a good idea to have a business plan in place if you anticipate you’ll need to apply for a loan.

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