A painter and decorator invoice should name the rooms or elevations, preparation, number of coats, materials, agreed finish and stage being billed. Use this UK template for domestic, commercial and subcontract work in 2026.
Painter and decorator invoice template
Supplier: [Legal business details]
Customer: [Name and billing address]
Site: [Work address]
Quote/PO: [Reference]
Invoice number: [ ]
Invoice and supply dates: [ ]
Due date: [ ]
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Preparation: [areas and work] | £[ ] |
| Labour: [coats, rooms or elevations] | £[ ] |
| Paint/materials: [brand, product or allowance] | £[ ] |
| Access or protection | £[ ] |
| Subtotal | £[ ] |
| VAT [treatment] | £[ ] |
| CIS deduction [if applicable] | -£[ ] |
| Amount due | £[ ] |
Domestic example
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Prepare walls and woodwork: hall, stairs and landing | £420 |
| Two coats durable matt to walls; satin to woodwork | £780 |
| Paint and sundries to accepted colour schedule | £260 |
| Subtotal | £1,460 |
State whether ceilings, doors, radiators and making good are included. “Decorate hallway” leaves too much open.
Progress invoices
A larger job can be billed by floor, elevation or milestone. The invoice should name the completed section and show prior payments and the balance remaining.
Do not invoice “50% complete” without stating which areas are complete. The stage payment template gives a clearer layout.
Materials and customer choices
Reference the agreed colour and product schedule. If the customer supplies paint, state that the invoice is labour-only and record shortages or additional coats as variations where agreed.
Preparation and extras
Preparation often causes disputes. Separate washing, filling, sanding, stain blocking, stripping and repairs from paint application.
If hidden defects require more preparation, document the condition, price the extra work and obtain approval before adding it.
CIS and VAT
Painting under a construction subcontract can fall within CIS. Split labour from qualifying materials and use the verified rate.
Check reverse-charge VAT separately for qualifying construction supplies between VAT-registered businesses. Domestic customer work normally follows the relevant ordinary VAT treatment, not the reverse charge.
Completion records
Attach the signed completion sheet, colour schedule, photographs or approved variation where useful. Keep snagging separate from unpriced extra work.
Final check
- Are rooms or elevations named?
- Is preparation separate from finishing?
- Are coats, products and colours clear?
- Are access and protection included or excluded?
- Are variations approved?
- Are prior stages deducted?
- Are VAT and CIS correct?
- Is the due date shown?
Sendinvo keeps the quote, invoice, deposit and reminders tied to the same customer. Start free to issue the bill without rewriting the scope.