How much to charge for sanding, priming and painting?

Nancy Roberts
by Nancy Roberts

I wire brushed four metal chairs which started rusting after sandblasting for my mom. I also sanded and primed her old chevy truck hood and a 6 ft tall metal alligator gate she had custom built. three coats of prime on truck which still needs a lily pad field painted on it and laquer as top coat on all done, but don't know how much to charge if she bought most of the paint.


  8 answers
  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Jun 04, 2020

    For that work (and because its for my mom) I would probably charge 15-20 an hour. For anyone else though it would be closer to 25 or 30 but it really depends on where you live etc.

  • Recreated Designs Recreated Designs on Jun 04, 2020

    Hi Nancy, depending on where you live the price will vary. Can you google custom work pricing for your area? If she is supplying all of the paint then it would be a charge for your time per hour.

  • Beth Beth on Jun 04, 2020

    I think it's fine to have a "friends and family" discount, and I don't agree with the answer that said not to charge her. It's fine to occasionally do a freebie, but if she offered to pay you and you did a decent amount of work, I don't think it's wrong for her to pay. I agree with the others to look up what others are charging on sites like Craigslist and then work out something that seems fair to both of you.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 04, 2020

    To give your mom break charge about $10 an hour. You both should have discussed the price before doing the work. A handyman in my area charges $10 an hour and I don't think that is out of line.

    I have done a lot of yard and house work for my dad and he just buys a pizza and pays for the materials. I mean he is my dad after all.

  • Dee Dee on Jun 04, 2020

    Whatever you charge her it should be minimal. I agree with Mogie $10 an hour would be more than enough as she is your MOM. I would tell her it was her MOther's day gift.

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Jun 04, 2020

    I don't charge my mom for my labor. She raised me and did lots of things for me. She will normally give me $$ for materials and may insist that I take some $$ or she will take me to dinner. It's hard to say no to a mom.

  • William William on Jun 05, 2020

    I agree with Ken. I never charge my parents. I do the work and they always force me to take some money. My mom won't let me leave until I take it.

  • Deb K Deb K on Jun 07, 2020

    Hi Nancy, I wouldn't charge your mother, but if she insists, go hourly with $10/hour, it's reasonable and still will provide you with some cash