Written by

Jennifer Carlson

June 22, 2025

Edited by

Tara Farmer

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

How to start a painting company

Starting a painting business can be a rewarding venture with manageable startup costs and strong demand. With proper planning, you can establish a reputable business with residential and commercial clients. This guide will walk you through the process, from research and licensing to marketing and expansion.

1. Market research and planning

The first step in opening a painting business is assessing your local market. Identify your ideal customers and study competitors' offerings, pricing, and reputation. This research helps you determine what services to offer and how to stand out.

Draft a business plan outlining your services, pricing strategy, marketing approach, and financial projections. A clear plan will guide your decisions and help secure funding if needed. Some important steps during this process include:

• Identifying target customers (homeowners, businesses, property managers)

• Analyzing competitors' strengths and weaknesses

• Determining service gaps in your area

2. Choose a legal structure

Choose a legal structure for your painting business, such as sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation. The right structure protects your personal assets and affects taxes and liability. Register your business name with the state and obtain an employer identification number (EIN) for tax purposes. Check local regulations for any required licenses or permits to operate legally.

3. Create a brand

Creating a noticeable, trustworthy brand will help you stand out in a competitive market. Start by choosing a memorable business name that's related to painting and available as a domain name. Run a trademark search to make sure no one else is using the name.

4. Set up finances

Open a dedicated business bank account to keep finances organized and separate from your personal funds. This simplifies accounting and tax filing. Set up accounting software to track expenses, manage invoices, and monitor cash flow. Good financial management is key to long-term success.

5. Get a license

Licensing requirements for painting companies vary by state and locality. Some states, like California and Arizona, require a state-issued contractor or painting license for jobs above a certain value, which may involve experience, exams, and insurance.

Other states, such as Texas, do not require a specific painting license but may require local business registration or permits. Regardless of state requirements, all painting businesses must register their business, obtain general liability insurance, and follow safety regulations.

If you work on homes or child-occupied facilities built before 1978, you must also obtain EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification. Always check your state and local government websites for the most current requirements before starting your painting company.

6. Obtain supplies & insurance

Invest in quality tools and materials, including brushes, rollers, ladders, drop cloths, and safety gear. Stock up on paint and prep materials based on your services.

Obtain general liability insurance to protect against property damage or accidents. Consider additional coverage for vehicles, equipment, or employees if you plan to hire staff. Essential equipment for a painting business includes:

• Brushes and rollers

• Sprayers

• Ladders

• Drop cloths

• Tape

• Safety gear

• Reliable transportation for tools and supplies

7. Market your business

Build a strong brand with a professional logo, business cards, and branded uniforms or vehicle decals. Create a simple website to showcase your services, completed projects, and customer testimonials. Use social media and local directories to reach more clients and build credibility.

Follow these additional tips for effective marketing:

• Share before-and-after photos on social media.

• Join HomeGuide for access to more clients.

• Network with local realtors and contractors.

• Encourage satisfied clients to leave online reviews.

• Ask clients for their approval to place yard signs.

• Use vehicle signage to reach more clients.

• Rent booths at local events or home shows.

• Invest in branded magnets, flyers, or pens to give away.

8. Deliver quality service

Set competitive pricing by researching local rates and considering your costs. Offer various services, such as interior and exterior painting, drywall repair, or wallpaper removal, to attract more clients. Deliver quality work and excellent customer service. Timely communication, reliability, and attention to detail will earn repeat business and referrals.

9. Grow & adapt

Request feedback from clients after each job and use their comments to improve your services. Stay flexible and update your business plan as you learn what works best.

As your business grows, consider hiring additional painters or expanding into commercial contracts. Diversifying your services and attracting a wide variety of clients can increase your revenue and stability.

FAQs about starting a painting company

Do you need a license to start a painting business?

Whether you need a license to start a painting business depends on your state and local regulations. Many states require a contractor or painting license for projects above a certain dollar amount, usually involving proof of experience, passing exams, and obtaining insurance. Others only require general business registration or local permits.

How much do painting companies charge?

Many painters charge $25 to $75+ per hour or $1 to $6+ per square foot, depending on the job type and location. Some companies use per-room or per-day charging methods. Determining how much to charge for painting will depend on the project size, paint type, and project complexity. Any repairs, complex surface preparation, or details like trim work will add to the cost.

Is a painting business profitable?

Professional painters earn around $45,000 to $76,000 per year, with well-managed companies achieving gross profit margins of about 50% and net profits ranging from 13% to 27%. Owner-operators can generate annual revenues between $400,000 to $600,000, depending on the market and business size.

Profitability depends on effective management, accurate estimating, strong marketing, and hiring quality workers. The industry is expected to continue growing, especially as residential and commercial construction rebounds, creating more opportunities for painting contractors.

What equipment do I need to start a painting business?

To start a painting business, you'll need a range of essential tools and equipment to ensure professional results and efficient work. Start with the basics and expand your toolkit as your business grows and takes on more complex projects. Essential equipment includes:

• Paint brushes in various sizes

• Rollers and roller covers

• Extension poles for rollers

• Paint sprayer (for large or specialty jobs)

• Drop cloths or floor protection

• Ladders

• Paint trays and liners

• Painter's tape and masking tools

• Caulking gun and caulk

• Putty knives, scrapers, and patching tools

• Sandpaper or sanding blocks

• Safety gear (gloves, masks, goggles)

• Pressure washer (for exterior prep)

The cost of paint itself is $20 to $80 per gallon, depending on the type and quantity. For large jobs, you can save money by buying 5-gallon buckets if you'll use a lot of the same color. Many companies also offer significant discounts to professional painters.