Painting is a great pathway to consider, especially if you want to be your own boss. Running your own painting business offers the flexibility to work on your terms, with the freedom to choose your clients, set your hours, and determine your rates.
It’s also not an expensive trade to get into, as tool costs are much lower. There is always a need and demand for painters in the construction and home markets, since homeowners and commercial buildings always need a new coat of paint here and there.
While there are many things to consider, setting up a painting business can be done in a couple of key steps. Our guide below will show you how.
Step 1: Learn professional painting skills
To get hired for jobs, you’ll need to meet the painting license requirements and have professional skills. The best way to gain those skills is by working for a painting company where you can get hands-on experience and learn from professionals already out in the field.
Some crucial skills to master include:
- Preparing a space for painting, like scraping off old paint, patching walls or holes, and sanding surfaces.
- Using paintbrushes and rollers effectively.
- Understanding different types of paint — oil-based, latex, acrylic — and when to use each.
- Knowing when and why to use primers.
- Painting a room correctly, from top to bottom.
- Applying epoxy coatings in warehouses and garages.
- Painting lines on parking lots, roads, or athletic fields.
- Working with coatings designed for heavy use.
With these skills in your toolbelt and experience from shadowing other painters, you'll be prepared to run your own painting business as you grow in your career.
Step 2: Flesh out your business plan
When you’re ready to start your painting business, you’ll need to write a business plan. This is a document that outlines the details, goals and strategies of your business. Think of it as a roadmap, with all the key information to guide you and your potential team.
Start by defining your painting business niche — whether it's interior or exterior house painting, or large-scale government and construction projects — so you can align your plan accordingly. Once you’ve identified your niche and researched other painting companies in your area, you’ll be ready to dive into writing.
Your business plan should include these essential components:
- A cover page of your business name and date
- An executive summary and overview of your business
- List of the painting services you will provide
- Pricing outline
- Market and demographic research
- Competitor and SWOT analysis
- Marketing and sales plans
- Funding plans, initial finances, and an ROI timeline
- Any key information that potential investors need to know
A business plan isn’t something you write and forget. It’s a resource you can continually refer back to, helping you stay on track and move your business forward. With a well-ironed plan, it becomes much easier to make informed decisions, adapt to changes, and achieve your goals.
Step 3: Align your admin
Next, it's important to handle the administrative side of the business. This involves a range of tasks, all crucial to complete before you get out there and start painting.
First, pick a business name and structure. The most popular way to start is a sole trader, where there is no separation between you and your business. This gives you complete control. However, if you’d like to work in a partnership and as a company, those are options too. Check out all the trade structures here.
Next it’s next time to register your business with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to be official. This is how you’ll receive your Australian Business Number (ABN) to legally operate, and register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) to pay taxes.
The requirement for a painting trade license varies by state. In Victoria, the state government doesn’t issue specific painter licenses, but in New South Wales and Queensland, obtaining one is mandatory, and you must meet specific criteria. It’s advisable to register under the Domestic Builder License (DB-L) class, which allows you to work independently.
To keep your business finances separate from personal ones, open a business bank account and get a credit card. Painting business software like Mira can assist in tracking expenses and integrate with accounting apps for quoting, invoicing and payments.
Finally, you’ll want to get business insurance to protect you and your assets. Shop around for the best insurance plan available. Having insurance will prevent you from paying massive chunks of money for potential injury or damage in the future.
Step 4: Secure funds
Getting your painting business off the ground often requires financial backing. Many entrepreneurs start with personal savings or loans from family and friends. However, for larger ventures, external funding is often necessary. You can find funding through:
- Grants and loans: Research government grants and business loans specifically designed to support small businesses, particularly in the construction industry. These can provide crucial capital for startup costs like purchasing paint, equipment, and hiring staff.
- Investor networks: Attend industry events and conferences to connect with potential investors who may be interested in your business idea. Consider joining local contractors' associations or painting industry groups to expand your network.
- Financial institutions: Banks and credit unions offer various loan options for small businesses. Consider exploring these avenues to secure the funds you need for purchasing vehicles, hiring employees, and covering operational expenses.
Remember, funding isn't just for initial startup costs. It's essential for ongoing expenses such as marketing, insurance, and maintaining your equipment. By carefully considering your funding options, you can increase your chances of launching and growing a successful painting business.
Step 5: Get your equipment
With the administrative tasks complete and funds in place, you can now start purchasing your equipment. The equipment you choose will depend on the painting services you offer and the kinds of clients you’re assisting. Some of the most common equipment you might need include:
- Painting accessories, like brushes, rollers, paint trays and buckets, drop cloths, and painter’s tape
- Ladders and extension poles
- Pressure washers, sandpaper and sanders
- Joint compound and caulk
It’s also a worthwhile investment having a ute or van to transport all of your equipment to and from different jobs. The painting services you offer should depend on what you’re good at and how that compliments the demands of the market and what clients need.
Step 6: Build your brand and online presence
Before launching your business into the market, it’s crucial you try to build a memorable brand and an online presence. This is how the public will see your business.
First, start with your professional branding. This means creating an impactful logo and choosing a consistent colour palette. With your branding set, you can then design business cards and uniforms so you’re always recognised.
Second, share your digital presence so that when people look you up, they know who you are and how to get in touch. You can do this by setting up a dedicated business email and phone number and then claiming your free Google Business Profile. It’s also smart to develop a professional website about your services that you can link to as well. Actively sharing content on social media accounts, such as before-and-after posts or client reviews, will help to improve your online presence.
By taking these steps, you'll create a cohesive brand image that will help you attract and retain customers.
Step 7: Find your clients
As a new painter, securing your first clients can be challenging. One effective strategy is to leverage your personal network.
- Start with your inner circle: Begin by offering your services to family and friends.
- Deliver exceptional service: Aim to exceed their expectations with high-quality work and professionalism.
- Leverage referrals: Once you've completed a job, politely ask satisfied clients to refer you to their friends and acquaintances.
By focusing on providing excellent service and building strong relationships, you can gradually grow your client base through word-of-mouth referrals. When your referrals grow, you can start handing out your business cards locally, posting tear-away flyers on community boards, and joining online networking groups.
If your advertising budget grows, you can also run Google Ads to find more clients. If your client base grows, you may consider hiring subcontractors or employees and transitioning into a partnership or company structure.
Step 8: Price services for profit
Last but not least, you have to pick your price. Strategic pricing is essential for your business's survival and profitability.
To do it correctly, you should have a price range in mind based on overhead costs and labour, and how you can make a profit while still being competitive in the market. Clearly communicating prices to clients is essential, and you can always use software like Mira to help you come up with accurate quotes and send them to clients.
Invest in a painting business software
And there you have it: eight steps to kickstart your painting business! It may seem daunting at first, but with this guide, you'll be set up and ready to begin your painting career in no time. If you're still feeling unsure about the tasks ahead, don't worry — Mira can help!
Mira is an all-in-one software for painting businesses built to manage your admin, payments, projects, and clients. It simplifies the work outside of the day job, making your life easier.
If you're interested in giving it a try, take advantage of our free trial.