Creative Invoice Template

Free Signwriter Invoice Template

Invoice templates for signwriters billing businesses and individuals for hand-painted signs, vehicle livery, and lettering projects.

Create Free Invoice View Pricing

What is a Signwriter invoice?

A signwriter invoice is issued by a professional signwriter or sign painter to a business, organisation, or individual for the design and application of signage. Signwriting encompasses hand-painted signage, vinyl lettering application, vehicle livery, window graphics, wall text, and painted lettering for shops, pubs, restaurants, canal boats, and commercial vehicles. Traditional hand-painted signwriting is a skilled craft with a heritage stretching back centuries. The revival of interest in hand-lettered typography has brought new appreciation for this skill, and talented signwriters can command premium rates for quality traditional work. Commercial signwriting for business premises and vehicles is the bread-and-butter work of most signwriting businesses. Signwriters must be proficient in design, typography, colour mixing, and the application of paint or vinyl on a variety of surfaces. For vehicle livery, knowledge of vehicle preparation and wrapping techniques is important.

What to include on a Signwriter invoice

Common signwriter invoice line items

Service Typical Rate Unit
Hand-painted shop sign (per face) 350 sign
Vehicle livery (van wrap, full) 1200 vehicle
Vinyl lettering (per hour) 55 hour
Window vinyl application 200 window
Pub or bar sign (hand-painted) 500 sign
Wall lettering (per letter, hand-painted) 30 letter

How to invoice as a signwriter

Require a deposit before ordering materials and beginning design work. A 50% deposit is standard for bespoke hand-painted work. For commercial sign programmes (fitting out a chain of shops or an office complex), invoice per location or phase as the work is completed. Large commercial clients will need PO numbers on invoices. For vehicle livery, take a deposit at booking. Vinyl material costs are significant; the deposit covers the materials ordered specifically for the client's job. For high street shops and small businesses, payment at completion is common. Accept card and bank transfer to reduce cash handling.

Create your signwriter invoice in minutes

Start free. No credit card required.

Get started free

Frequently asked questions

How much does a hand-painted shop sign cost in the UK?
Hand-painted shop fascia signs typically cost £250 to £600 per face in 2026 for a standard-size shopfront. Complex multi-colour or gilded work commands higher rates. Vinyl-applied lettering is typically £100 to £300 per sign depending on complexity and size.
What qualifications do signwriters need?
Traditional signwriting is a craft learned through apprenticeship or specialist courses. The Institute of Signage (ISP) and Sign Fabrication Technology courses provide formal training. Many experienced signwriters are self-taught or learned through trade experience.
What is the difference between vinyl signwriting and hand-painted?
Vinyl signwriting uses cut or printed vinyl applied to a surface using transfer tape. It is quicker, more consistent for large runs, and includes full-colour printing options. Hand-painted signwriting is slower, bespoke, and has a warmth and character that vinyl cannot replicate. Many signwriters offer both.
Do signwriters need to work at height?
Working at height is common for signwriters fitting shop fascias, high-level signs, or canal boat name boards. IPAF (powered access) or PASMA (scaffold tower) training may be required for work above 2 metres. Many signwriters subcontract access platform hire and operation.
Should signwriters charge VAT?
VAT registration is required when annual taxable turnover exceeds £90,000. Busy commercial signwriting businesses can reach this threshold. Standard rate 20% applies to labour and materials.
Can I use this template for free?
Yes. Tidybill's free plan lets you create up to 5 invoices per month at no cost, with no credit card required. You can use the Signwriter invoice template straight away after signing up.