What is a painting contract?
A painting contract is the agreement between a painting contractor and a homeowner or business for interior, exterior, cabinet or commercial painting. Painting disputes are almost always about scope — were the doors included, was the trim two coats, who chose that colour — so the more precise the written scope, the smoother the job.
This template separates the areas and surfaces, the preparation included (pre-filled with the usual protection, filling, sanding and caulking) and the paint, finish and colours. It sets who supplies the paint, the start and expected finish dates, the owner's part in clearing rooms, a reminder about lead-paint rules for older buildings, written changes, the price with an optional deposit, a final walk-through for touch-ups before the balance is paid, a workmanship warranty with sensible exclusions, cancellation and liability.
- Best for
- Residential and commercial painters, decorators and cabinet refinishers
- Signed by
- The painting contractor and the property owner
- Payment
- Optional deposit, balance on completion, at midpoint, or within 7 days
- Length
- About 2-3 pages, initialled on every page
When to Use a painting contract
- Repainting the interior of a house before moving in
- Exterior painting of siding and trim
- Kitchen cabinet painting or refinishing
- Repainting an office or shop between tenants
- A landlord refreshing a rental between tenancies
What You Fill In
19 blanks, then the name and email of each person who signs: painting contractor, property owner.
1 The parties
- Contractor (your business)*
- Your phone or email*
- Contractor licence or registration
- Owner*
- Owner phone or email
2 The work
- Property address*
- Type of work* interior painting · exterior painting · interior and exterior painting · cabinet or furniture painting · commercial painting
- Areas and surfaces to be painted*
- Preparation included*
- Paint, finish and colours*
- Paint is supplied by* the Contractor, included in the price · the Contractor, charged at cost on top of the price · the Owner
3 Schedule
- Start date*
- Expected completion
4 Price and payment
- Currency*
- Contract price*
- Deposit
- Balance payment* on completion and final walk-through · half at the midpoint and the rest on completion · within 7 days of the final invoice
5 Other terms
- Workmanship warranty (months)
- Governing law*
6 Who signs
- Painting contractor signature and date, job title, initials on every page · The painter or painting company.
- Property owner signature and date, initials on every page · The owner, or the tenant or manager authorised to have the work done.
What the painting contract Covers
- Scope of work
- Schedule and site
- Changes
- Price and payment
- Warranty
- Cancellation and ending the contract
- Liability and general
Using the painting contract, step by step
1 Define the scope
Choose the type of work, then list every area and surface — and anything excluded, like doors or radiators. Edit the pre-filled preparation list to match how you work.
2 Specify paint and colours
Write the brand, product, finish, colour and number of coats for each surface, and choose who supplies the paint.
3 Set dates and price
Enter the start date and an expected finish, the contract price, an optional deposit and when the balance is due.
4 Add the warranty and send
Set the workmanship warranty in months (12 is pre-filled) and the governing law, then send the contract for signature.
Tips Before You Send It
- Offer a sample patch for strong or unusual colours — the contract mentions it, and it prevents repaints.
- Some places cap the deposit a home improvement contractor can take; check before you set one.
- For buildings old enough to have lead paint, follow the testing and safe-work rules that apply where you work.
- Do the walk-through with painter's tape in hand and fix the touch-ups before collecting the balance.
Sign It Online In Minutes
- Fill in the blanks. Names, dates and amounts go straight into the agreement — the preview shows exactly where.
- Name who signs. Tick “This is me” for your own part. VergeHR builds the PDF with every signature, date and initials box on the right line, and you can check or move anything before sending.
- Send it. Each signer gets a secure link and signs from any device — no account needed. The signed PDF, with an audit trail and a Certificate of Completion, is filed in Files and emailed to everyone.
Painting contract: frequently asked questions
What happens if the owner changes the colour halfway through?
Changing a colour after a surface has been painted is extra work. The contract says changes are agreed in writing, which can be by email or text, with any price change, before the changed work is done.
What does the painting warranty cover?
Peeling, blistering or flaking caused by poor preparation or application, for the months you choose. It excludes moisture, structural movement, impact, harsh cleaning, surfaces you didn't prepare and paint supplied by the owner.
Is surface repair included?
Only the preparation you list. Rotten wood, plastering, wallpaper removal and major repairs are excluded unless agreed and priced separately.
Can the homeowner cancel after signing?
Where consumer law gives the homeowner a cooling-off or cancellation right, the contract says that right applies. Otherwise either party can end it for a serious breach that isn't fixed within 7 days, and the owner pays for work done and materials bought.
Is this template free to use?
Yes. It's free with VergeHR eSignature, and the homeowner signs from a link without creating an account.