Go Paint Something!

It’s a question that I get a lot from my students: How to Estimate Painting Labor Hours? 

Honestly, I am glad this is a common questions because it’s important. No one wants to overcharge, come up short or change their price mid-project. When you’ve been painting as long as I have, it gets easier to estimate painting labor hours. In other words, how long will it take you to finish the project?

For those of you with little to no experience, it can be quite daunting. But I’ll give you a little trick, something I’ve used for years, and it’s worked out quite nicely. Not foolproof, but at least it will get you close.

So, here it is, based upon years of scientific experimentation and miles of algorithms and calculations…

I simply do the project in my head, and take notes. Yep, that’s it.

I close my eyes and put the project on fast forward. I figure how long it will take to prep and prime the wall; I imagine taking my time to sketch, fill in the basics, put in the details, and touch up this and that. Consider any special needs, such as needing a lift, scaffolding, etc., because that takes time to maneuver or set up and take down.  Do you have to go to any special meetings? Make any presentations?

Materials…we can talk about later, but it’s basically the same thing. Of course, the more experience you have the tighter your predictions will be.  But you will learn from every project, big or small.

I’ve got some other helpful How To materials on my website! Be sure to check it out!

How to Paint a Mural
How to Draw in One Point Perspective
How to start a Art Business

Now, go paint something!

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