Painters

Painters: Stop Waiting to Get Paid After Every Job

You spent three days prepping, priming, and painting. The client walked through and loved it. Then you packed your gear and waited two weeks for a check that may or may not arrive.

It's one of the most common frustrations in the painting trade — doing excellent work and then waiting far too long to get paid for it. Here's how to change the pattern starting with your next job.

Collect a deposit before you start

The single best thing a painter can do to protect their cash flow is require a deposit before any work begins. 25–50% upfront is standard. It covers your materials, filters out flaky clients, and sets the tone that you run a real business.

What to include on every painting invoice

Labor by day or sq ft — Break down your time clearly so clients understand what they're paying for
Paint and materials — Primer, paint, tape, drop cloths — list quantities and products
Prep work — Sanding, patching, caulking, and washing — often the most labor-intensive part
Number of coats — Specify primer coat, first coat, second coat for clarity
Travel / mobilization — If you're driving to the job, charge for it — especially for larger properties
Cleanup — Time spent protecting furniture, covering floors, and post-job cleanup

Invoice on the last day of the job

1

Do the walkthrough with the client

Get their sign-off on the work while you're still there together.

2

Pull out your phone and build the invoice

Add labor, materials, and any extras. Takes about 2 minutes.

3

Send the link before you leave

Text it directly to the client. They pay by card on the spot — or you collect before you drive away.

4

Get notified instantly

You'll receive an email the second the payment clears. Clean job, clean payment.

Get paid before the paint dries.

Free to start — no card needed.

Start invoicing free

You painted it perfectly. Now collect what you're owed — before you leave the driveway.