Accurate commercial painting bids balance material coverage with realistic labor production hours. Level of finish, surface porosity, and application method (spray-and-backroll vs roller) determine your true cost per square foot.
Commercial Drywall Spread Rates
New commercial gypsum board drinks paint on the primer coat. Estimating rules of thumb for Texas commercial tenant buildouts:
- PVA Primer / Sealer: 275 - 300 sq ft/gallon over new Level 4 drywall tape joints.
- First Topcoat (Eggshell / Satin): 325 - 350 sq ft/gallon.
- Second Topcoat: 350 - 400 sq ft/gallon.
Hollow Metal Doors & Structural Framing
Never measure doors by square footage alone. Commercial estimators bid hollow metal frames (HMF) and slab doors by piece counts: 1 door frame = 0.5 labor hours; 1 flush slab door (both sides + edges) = 0.75 labor hours.