Starting a Painting Business with No Experience? Read the 10 Easy Ways 

Your friend started a painting business, and they are killing it. You are also thinking of starting your own, but the idea of starting a painting business with no experience haunts you.  

Halloween is over, so there shouldn’t be any haunting ideas because you can start a painting business with no experience.  

Seriously, if you haven’t picked up a painting brush before, we have the 10 easy ways on starting a painting business with no experience.  

So, buckle up and stick with us till the end!  

How good can a paint business be? 

Have you noticed that painting services are always in demand? Whether people are moving to new houses, refreshing their interiors, or preparing property for sale, painting services are always required, and the numbers back this up. The US market for house painting reached $18.6 billion in 2022.  

What’s even better? Unlike many trades, starting a painting business doesn’t demand heavy equipment or an expensive workspace, making it accessible to beginners.  

Starting a Painting Business with No Experience? 

We have heard many stories about starting a business that seems like a challenge. We get that, but starting a painting business is more doable.  

The painting industry is refreshingly accessible for newcomers. Minimal start-up costs, no strict certifications, and growing demand mean that you can hit the ground running and start seeing results quickly.  

Of course, there are tips and tricks that will make the journey easier—and that’s exactly what we’ll be diving into. With these practical and easy steps, you’ll soon be on your way to building a painting business.  

1. Learn Painting Skills  

Before jumping in, it’s essential to get comfortable with the basics. You don’t need to be an expert overnight, but knowing a few foundational techniques will make all the difference.  

A good place to start is online tutorials. You can watch DIY painting videos or even take a local workshop. Platforms like YouTube offer countless beginning resources, covering everything from brush techniques to surface prep. 

Learning these skills improves your work quality and builds your confidence. In the painting business, confidence is key, as clients want to know they’re hiring someone who takes the craft seriously. 

You can practice by experimenting on surfaces at home or by offering to paint your friend’s room free for skills building. 

 

2. Register Your Business and Get Licensing 

Once you feel you’re good with the basics, it’s time to get official! Registering your painting business is an important step in building trust with your clients and opening your work to bigger projects. Not to mention, it helps keep things legit with local regulations.  

You can start by choosing a business structure. We have covered business structures in detail, so you can check them out here.  

After that, you can choose a business name that reflects your brand—something catchy but professional. Then, check with your local government to understand the specific requirements for painting businesses.  

While licensing requirements vary, some areas require painting contractors to carry a license, especially if you’re working on larger projects or commercial properties. Look into getting a business license and, depending on your region, a contractor’s license if needed. 

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the insurance! Liability insurance protects you in case of accidents or property damage on the job. It’s a small investment that goes a long way.  

3. Create a Business Plan  

Creating a business plan gives you a sense of what’s working and what isn’t. It doesn’t have to be complex, but it should outline key goals to help you stay focused. 

In the business plan, you need to mention your target market. Are you focusing on residential homes, commercial spaces, or maybe even rental properties? Next, set some realistic goals for your first year, like how many projects you’d like to complete or your ideal monthly income. 

Include basic budget planning, too. This should cover initial supplies, marketing expenses, and any licensing or insurance fees. 

4. Do Market Research  

According to a study by CB Insights, 42% of small businesses fail because they don’t address a real market need. Understanding your market is essential to standing out.  

Market research helps you know who your potential clients are, what they’re looking for, and how you can offer something unique.  

You can research other painting businesses in your area. Look at their services, pricing, and even their customer reviews. This can give you insight into what clients want and what might be missing in your local market. 

The more you know what people want, the better you can customize your services. You might even discover an underserved niche, like offering quick touchups.  

5. Decide Which Services to Offer 

Painting isn’t just about walls—you can offer a range of services, and narrowing down your focus is helpful when you are starting without any experience.  

Some painters specialize in interior work, like walls, ceilings, and cabinetry, while others focus on exterior painting, handling everything from fences to siding.  

You could even explore niche services like wallpaper removal, deck staining, or custom mural work if there’s demand in your area. 

You can also highlight a unique service that competitors might overlook. For example, “color consultation” or “eco-friendly paint options” can give you an edge over your competitors.  

6. Price Your Services  

Setting the right price is important, as you want to stay competitive without undervaluing your work. A quick way to do this is to research what other painters in your area charge for similar services.  

To set the right price, you need to factor in your costs, including materials, time, travel expenses, and any other overhead. Keep in mind that pricing isn’t just about covering expenses; it also reflects the quality of your work and the value you bring to clients. 

For beginners, a simple hourly rate can work well until you have enough experience to estimate project-based fees. On average, professional painters in the US charge between $3 to $6 per square foot.  

7. Buy Painting Tools 

You do need tools to deliver services, and you can start with the basics: 

• Brushes 

• Rollers 

• Painter’s tape 

• Drop cloths 

• Sturdy ladder 

High-quality tools might cost more upfront, but they make your work easier and improve the final result. If you have a budget, you can consider investing in a few specialized tools as well.  

For example, an extension pole can make ceiling work much easier, and a good paint sprayer can save time on larger projects.  

8. Open a Business Bank Account 

Keeping your personal and business finances separate is a game-changer, even for a small painting business.  

Opening a dedicated business bank account makes tracking your income and expenses easier and adds a layer of professionalism. Clients will appreciate seeing payments made to a business account rather than a personal one.  

In addition, a business bank account simplifies things when tax season rolls around and helps you monitor your cash flow more effectively. Many banks offer low-fee or no-fee business accounts for small businesses, so take the time to compare options and find one that fits your needs. 

You can also consider getting a business credit card, too. It helps manage day-to-day expenses and can help you build a credit history for your business, which could come in handy down the line. 

Speaking of business cards, wouldn’t it be great if you can get a bonus when signing up for a business card?  

We have partnered with Ramp to give you a $500 sign-up bonus on a business card. You can check it here.   

9. Get Business Accounting  

Did you know that nearly 60% of small business owners feel they aren’t knowledgeable about accounting?  

If you aren’t a numbers nerd like us, there are two options; you can use accounting software like QuickBooks or FreshBooks.  

Or you can outsource to an accounting firm like Tangent Consulting 😉 We can handle everything from bookkeeping, invoicing, expense tracking, and managing taxes. Basically, we become your finance department so you can grow your business without worrying about numbers.  

10. Get Clients 

Now that everything is set, it’s time to get clients. You can start by spreading the word among family, friends, and local connections. They’re often your best advocates in the beginning.  

Create a simple website or social media page showcasing your work, even if it’s just a few before-and-after photos from the job. This builds credibility and gives potential customers a glimpse of what you can do. 

To reach a broader audience, consider joining local business directories, posting on social media groups, or even running a small ad in community papers.  

Final Thoughts  

Starting a painting business with no experience might feel daunting, but as you can see, it’s entirely possible with the right approach. Remember, every successful business owner begins somewhere, often with nothing more than determination and a willingness to learn. 

If accounting seems like solving trigonometric equations to you, we have your back. We provide CFO, bookkeeping, and tax services to help you sleep better at night. So, no more Mr. Numbers coming in your dreams. You can check out all our services here.  

FAQs 

How fast can I make my painting business profit? 

It depends on when you give your business, services, and marketing strategies.   

What are the profit margins for painting companies? 

Profit margins for painting companies typically range from 20% to 45%, depending on project type, pricing, and overhead costs. 

How to market my painting company? 

To spread the word, you can focus on delivering high-quality work, building strong client relationships, and managing your finances. Consistent marketing and excellent customer service are keys to success in a painting business.