Do you tip painters? And if yes, how much?

When you hire a painting crew to transform your home, there’s a lot of excitement in the air. A fresh coat of paint can completely change the look and feel of a space. But once the paint job is done, a question many homeowners have is: Do you tip painters? Is it customary to tip house painters?

If you want to know if it’s good etiquette to tip a house painter or not, this blog is for you. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of tipping painters. And also the right situation and the right way to tip your painting contractors.

Should you tip the paint contractors?

There is no rule of thumb regarding tipping painters. Tipping isn’t required, but it’s a kind way to show gratitude. If your painters did a great job, paid attention to detail, and maybe even went the extra mile to meet your expectations, it’s nice to offer something extra. In many industries, tipping is a standard way to thank someone for their hard work, and house painting can be no different.

Secondly, it might inspire them to improve their work on your house even further. And lastly, if you’re known as a good tipper, you’ll probably get better service for your subsequent home remodeling projects in the future. 

Keep in mind that there’s no obligation to tip painters. You should only do so if you can afford to pay the extra money.

When is tipping house painters, not a good idea?

If the painters didn’t meet your expectations or the work was subpar, don’t feel pressured to tip. Tipping is for exceptional service, not something you should feel obligated to do.

Also, if you are dealing with a single painting contractor who owns the business, they typically charge a price that includes their service charge. So, you needn’t get into the tipping game. And, they will not expect any additional monetary benefits.

How much do you tip painters?

There’s no hard-and-fast rule for tipping house painters. Many people tend to base their tips on the overall cost of the project. A common approach is to tip between 10% and 20% of the total bill. For smaller jobs, tipping each crew member $10-$50 is a thoughtful gesture. For larger projects, you might consider a higher amount. Alternatively, some homeowners prefer to buy lunch or offer refreshments to show their gratitude for a paint job done well.

How should you give the tip?

You can give the tip directly to the painters or include it with the final payment. Cash is often preferred, but checks or digital transfers may also be acceptable.

How much does a house painter earn, on average?

If you refer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a professional house painter is about $42,140 per year. 

What should you keep in mind when tipping house painters?

Make sure the tipping doesn’t create an awkward situation for both you and the painter. That is to say, if the painter feels uncomfortable accepting a tip or you feel like you are overpaying for the work – it’s best not to tip.

Also, ensure your tipping doesn’t lead to uneven compensation among painters working on the same paint job. Also, it’s best to direct your gratuity towards the employees instead of the employer or the owner of the painting company. You can check the company policies regarding tipping if you’re in doubt.

Most importantly, tipping does add to the total painting cost. A tip could make you go over budget after factoring in the cost of materials, cost to paint or labor cost, and overhead charges. If you cannot afford a tip, you shouldn’t.

What are some other ways to show appreciation?

If you’re unsure about tipping for a paint job, there are other meaningful ways to express your thanks. For example:

• Leave a positive online review: This can help the painting crew attract more clients and grow their business.
• Refer them to your family and friends: Word-of-mouth recommendations are priceless.
• Offer snacks or beverages: If they’ve been working long days, offering refreshments can be a simple way to say “thank you.”

To tip or not to tip: Last thoughts

Imagine the painting crew has been working long days in your home, ensuring every corner is perfect. If they’ve exceeded your expectations by being especially tidy, helping you choose the right colors, or doing touch-ups without being asked, tipping is a way to show appreciation for their efforts. While it’s not expected like in some other service jobs, painters will always appreciate the gesture, especially if the job was challenging or took more time than expected.

Remember that tipping painters is not a strict requirement. It’s ultimately up to your discretion and budget.

Written by Ramona Sinha. November 4, 2022

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.