Why We Charge Materials at Cost (No Markup on Paint)

When comparing painting bids, most homeowners don’t realize this:

Many contractors inflate material quantities to protect themselves from uncertainty.

If a project may require 15 gallons of paint, it’s common to see estimates written for 17–20 gallons. That buffer reduces risk for the contractor—but increases cost for you.

We take a different approach.

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36 Years of Experience = Accurate Material Estimating

We’ve been painting homes since 1990, completing over 10,000 projects across the Seattle area.  John Shearer served on the PDCA Standards Committee 2016-2019; The First Master Certified Fine Paints of Europe contractor, Former Historic Seattle Lecturer.  

That experience gives us a measurable advantage in:
• Calculating true paint coverage rates
• Understanding substrate absorption
• Accounting for real-world material loss
• Matching product performance to surface conditions

This allows us to estimate materials with a level of precision that most contractors simply cannot match.

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Why We Do Not Mark Up Paint

We charge materials at cost.

No markup. No hidden margin. No inflated quantities.

Why?

Because we’ve built a system that eliminates the need for guesswork.

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The Problem with Traditional Paint Estimates

Overordering Is Built Into Most Bids

Contractors often add extra gallons to protect themselves from running short.

You Pay for That Buffer

Even if it’s not labeled as “markup,” it’s embedded in the numbers.

Excess Paint = Waste

Leftover paint isn’t just inefficient—it’s unnecessary cost and environmental waste.

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Our System: Precision + Mid-Project Adjustment

Instead of overordering, we use a controlled process:

Step 1 — Order ~90% of Expected Materials

We begin with a highly accurate estimate based on decades of field data.

Step 2 — Verify in the Field

By the second day of production, we confirm:
• Actual spread rates
• Surface absorption
• Remaining material needs

Step 3 — Final Targeted Order

We order only what’s required to complete the project—nothing more.

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The Result: Lower Waste, Greater Transparency
• You only pay for what is actually used
• Material waste is minimized
• Costs are aligned with reality—not padded estimates

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Built on Trust

Every project requires trust on both sides.

We believe that transparency in materials is part of that agreement.

We don’t profit from paint—we profit from:
• Proper preparation
• Skilled application
• Long-term performance

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Searching for a Painter Who Charges Fairly?

If you’re looking for:
• A Seattle painting contractor with no paint markup
• Accurate estimates backed by experience
• A company focused on efficiency and craftsmanship