Hiring an interior painter without a signed contract is like painting without primer—you're setting yourself up for problems. A solid contract protects both you and the painter by spelling out exactly what's happening, when, and for how much. Here's what to include so your walls get painted right and your wallet stays intact.
Scope of Work and Square Footage
Be specific about which rooms are being painted and what surfaces are included. Write down the exact square footage or number of walls, ceilings, or trim pieces. Include whether the painter is responsible for patching drywall holes, sanding, caulking, or just applying paint over existing surfaces.
A vague "paint the living room" can lead to misunderstandings. Say instead: "Paint living room walls, ceiling, and trim (approximately 450 square feet of wall space). Painter to fill nail holes and minor cracks; customer responsible for major drywall repairs."
Paint Specifications and Quality
Document the exact paint brand, sheen level (matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, gloss), and color you've chosen. Include the number of coats required—standard is two coats for interior walls, but high-color changes or priming may require three.
Specify whether the painter supplies paint or you're providing it. If they're sourcing it, confirm the budget range. Interior paint typically runs $30–$60 per gallon for mid-to-high quality brands. Don't leave room for assumptions about cheap vs. premium paint.
Timeline and Payment Schedule
Lock in a start date and estimated completion date. For a typical 2,000-square-foot home with multiple rooms, expect 3–7 days depending on prep work required. Include language about weather delays (if applicable) and what happens if the job stalls.
Specify the payment structure clearly:
- 50% deposit upon signing to secure materials and scheduling
- 50% final payment upon completion and your approval
- No payment for work you reject until corrections are made
Some painters charge $35–$75 per hour for drywall work like taping and mudding, which should be itemized separately from painting labor.
Prep Work and Protection
Detail what prep work the painter handles and what you handle. Common painter responsibilities include:
- Moving light furniture and protecting remaining items with drop cloths
- Removing outlet and light switch covers
- Taping baseboards, trim, and windows
- Sanding and filling necessary areas
Clarify who covers floors, moves heavy furniture, removes fixtures, or addresses existing damage. State whether the painter cleans up debris daily or only at the end.
Warranty and Touch-ups
Include a warranty period—typically 1–2 years for normal wear. The contract should cover paint peeling, cracking, or uneven coverage due to the painter's work, not damage from accidents or moisture issues.
Specify a reasonable number of touch-ups included (usually 1–2 visits within 30 days of completion for minor imperfections). Anything beyond that may incur an hourly fee.
Drywall and Repair Limits
If drywall work is involved, define exactly what's covered. Is the painter filling small nail holes (included) or performing full wall patching ($100–$300+ per wall depending on size and damage)?
State that large repairs exceeding a certain size—say, holes bigger than 6 inches—require a separate estimate and approval before work begins.
Insurance and Licensing
Require proof that the painter carries liability insurance and is properly licensed or insured as a contractor. This protects you if equipment damages your home or someone gets injured. Ask for a certificate of insurance naming your address.
Contract Signature and Changes
Both you and the painter sign and date. Include a clause that any changes to scope must be approved in writing and may affect price and timeline. This prevents surprise add-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the typical cost difference between latex and oil-based interior paint? Latex paint costs $30–$50 per gallon and is easier to clean up, while oil-based runs $40–$70 per gallon, lasts longer, and provides better adhesion on trim and previously painted surfaces.
Q: Should I include humidity and temperature requirements in the contract? Yes—interior paint requires 50–85% humidity and temperatures between 50–85°F; extreme conditions can cause adhesion problems, so your contract should reference manufacturer guidelines.
Q: How do I know if a painter's estimate is competitive? Compare quotes using Mercoly to find and evaluate trusted interior painting providers in your area, then cross-check pricing against the project's square footage, prep work required, and paint quality specified.
Ready to hire the right painter? Get multiple competitive quotes with detailed contracts by finding trusted professionals in your area today.