PaintBidFrequently Asked Questions
How PaintBid calculates estimates, how markup works, and where your data lives.
Is PaintBid really free?
Yes. The estimate calculator (interior and exterior), the quote generator, the gallons calculator and the exterior cost calculator are all free, with no sign-up, no usage limits and no watermark. A Pro upgrade with branded PDFs, saved customers and follow-up reminders is planned as a one-time $39 purchase — it is not required to use the tools.
How does the estimate calculator work out labor hours?
It divides the painted area (surface area × coats) by your production rate in sq ft per hour. Exterior walls also get a prep factor based on surface condition: good ×1.0, fair ×1.2, poor ×1.45. If you know better — and experienced painters usually do — you can type your own hours into any room or wall and your number overrides the estimate.
What coverage rate should I use?
About 350 sq ft per gallon per coat is the standard figure for latex paint on smooth, previously painted surfaces. Use 250–300 for unpainted drywall, rough siding or heavy texture, and check your paint manufacturer's stated coverage for the specific product. The coverage field is editable everywhere it appears.
What is the difference between markup and margin?
Markup is added on top of cost: a $2,000 cost with 25% markup quotes at $2,500. Margin is the share of the final price: that same $2,500 quote has a 20% margin. Contractors underprice most often by confusing the two. PaintBid uses markup — you enter your cost, choose a markup %, and the quote is cost plus markup.
Will my customer see my costs?
No. The estimate calculator shows cost and quote to you, but the quote generator prints only your company details, the line items you choose, and the totals. Costs, labor rates and markup are never printed.
Where is my data stored?
Only in your own browser, on your own device, using local storage. Nothing is uploaded to a server — we could not see your pricing if we wanted to. Clearing your browser data clears your drafts, so print or save important quotes as PDFs.
Can I use PaintBid on my phone at a job site?
Yes. The site is a plain web app that works in any modern mobile browser, and the estimate form is designed to be filled in standing in the driveway. Your draft is saved on that device, so start on the phone and finish on the office computer only if both use the same browser storage — otherwise print or note the totals.
Are the homeowner calculators the same numbers?
They use the same area-and-coverage math, presented differently. The exterior cost calculator gives homeowners a planning range from third-party cost data; the contractor calculator builds your actual cost from your rates. A homeowner range and your quote for the same house can legitimately differ.