Do I invoice separately for the deposit?

Yes — issue a deposit invoice on scheduling ('Deposit for paint job at 42 Oak Street'), then credit it on the final invoice as a negative line. The paper trail matches the payments.

What if the client provides the paint?

Skip the materials line for paint but still charge for consumables (primer, tape, drop cloths, rollers). Add a disclaimer that you can't warranty finish quality with client-supplied paint.

Should I charge for the initial site visit and quote?

Short visits with a verbal or emailed quote are free. Detailed written quotes for large jobs (>€5,000) are often €50–€150, credited against the invoice if the job proceeds.

How do I invoice a job that ran over the estimate?

Only bill for extras that have a signed or SMS-confirmed change order. Absorbing genuine estimation errors is part of the profession; billing surprise overruns is how you lose the referral.

When do I ask for payment — before I leave the property?

For small jobs (under €800) yes, take card payment before leaving. For larger jobs, walk through with the client, get a sign-off, send the invoice within 2 hours on Net 7 terms.

How to Invoice for a Paint Job: A Complete Worked Example

A step-by-step walkthrough of invoicing a residential paint job — from measurement to final invoice — with a downloadable template and typical 2026 pricing.