Chalk Paint Furniture Pricing: How to Price Painted Furniture Flips
How to price painted furniture: purchase price, chalk paint and sealer, hardware, repairs, labor and selling fees, with worked examples.
In this guide
Furniture flipping is popular with makers who love a project. The profit comes from buying low, painting well, and pricing for your time. This guide shows how to price painted furniture flips, from the purchase price to the final listing.
- Furniture price = purchase + paint and sealer + hardware + repairs + labor + overhead, then profit and fees.
- A painted nightstand costs about $117.70 all in and sells for about $152.
- Prep work like cleaning, sanding and repairs takes the most time.
- Check local market prices before you buy a piece to flip.
Why flips need to count time
Many flippers count only the purchase price and paint. But cleaning, repairs, sanding, painting, sealing and staging take many hours.
Pick-up and delivery also take time and gas.
The steps
1. Start with the purchase
What you paid for the piece.
2. Add paint and sealer
Chalk paint, primer, wax or topcoat.
3. Add hardware and repairs
New knobs, glue, wood filler.
4. Add labor
Cleaning, repair, sanding, painting, sealing and staging.
5. Add overhead, profit and fees
Use 10% overhead, 25% profit and fees.
6. Check the market
Make sure local buyers will pay it.
Worked example: nightstand, dresser and table
$18 an hour, 10% overhead, 25% profit and 3% payment fees for local sales.
| Nightstand | 6 drawer dresser | Dining table | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $20.00 | $60.00 | $80.00 |
| Paint, primer and sealer | $18.00 | $40.00 | $45.00 |
| Hardware and repairs | $10.00 | $35.00 | $15.00 |
| Gas and delivery | $5.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Labor at $18.00/hr | 3 hr = $54.00 | 8 hr = $144.00 | 7 hr = $126.00 |
| Overhead (10%) | $10.70 | $29.40 | $28.10 |
| Cost to make | $117.70 | $323.40 | $309.10 |
| Plus 25% profit | $147.12 | $404.25 | $386.38 |
| Cover 3% selling fees (divide by 0.97) | $151.68 | $416.75 | $398.32 |
| Suggested price | $152 | $417 | $399 |
If the local market won't support the price, buy pieces cheaper or choose faster projects.
Pricing mistakes to avoid
- Buying before checking the market. Know what painted pieces sell for locally.
- Skipping prep. Paint fails on dirty or glossy surfaces.
- Counting only paint. Prep and painting time are most of the cost.
- Free delivery. Charge for delivery by distance.
Furniture flip checklist
- Purchase price.
- Paint and sealer.
- Hardware and repairs.
- Labor hours.
- Overhead, profit and fees.
- Local market checked.
Price any craft project
Type your purchase, materials and time into the peach cells. The calculator shows cost and a suggested price.
Get the Advanced Craft Product Pricing CalculatorCalculators that help
- Hourly rate: Set your hourly pay. Use the Hourly Rate & Pay Yourself Calculator – Hourly Rate, Per-Minute Rate & Income Goal for Makers.
- Competitor prices: Compare local prices. Use the Competitor Price Comparison Calculator – Market Prices, Your Rank, Break-Even & Suggested Price.
- Product ranking: See which projects pay best. Use the Product Line Profit Ranking Calculator – Rank 8 Products by Profit, Margin, Profit per Hour & Share of Profit.
- Delivery fee: Charge delivery by mileage. Use the Bakery Delivery Fee & Mileage Calculator – Gas, Wear, Drive Time, Setup, Minimum Fee & 6 Delivery Zones.
Common questions
How much should I charge for painted furniture?
Price from purchase, materials and time, then check local prices. In this guide a nightstand prices at about $152.
How long does it take to paint a dresser?
Often 6 to 10 hours with prep.
Is furniture flipping profitable?
It can be, if you buy low and count your time.
What furniture sells best painted?
Dressers, nightstands and buffets are popular.
Should I charge for delivery?
Yes, by distance.
What sealer should I use?
Wax or water-based topcoat, depending on use.
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