Painting & Decorating

DIY vs Professional Painting: When It’s Worth Paying a Pro

Painting a room looks easy right?

A roller, a tin of paint, a free weekend… what could go wrong?

Funny thing is, a large part of my work comes from fixing painting jobs that were supposed to be “quick and easy”. Not because people are careless, but because painting properly is mostly about preparation, not the paint itself.

This guide will help you quickly decide whether painting your room is a realistic DIY job or one of those cases where hiring a professional painter actually saves you time, stress, and money.

Quick decision: DIY or professional?

DIY painting is usually fine if:

-It’s one small room

-Walls are already in good condition

-You’re repainting a similar colour

-No cracks, stains, or repairs are needed

-You’re happy with a “good enough” finish

Hiring a professional is usually better if:

-Walls need filling, sanding, or repairs

-There are cracks, dents, or previous bad paintwork

-You’re changing colour (especially dark ↔ light)

-It’s a rental or end-of-tenancy job

-You want clean lines, no mess, and no re-doing it later

If you’re already hesitating at this point, that’s usually the answer.

What normally goes wrong with DIY painting?

These are the most common problems I see when I’m called in after a DIY paint job:

-Paint flashing where filler wasn’t sealed properly

-Roller marks and uneven coverage

-Visible brush strokes along edges and corners

-Paint peeling or bubbling because the surface wasn’t prepared

-Touch-ups that don’t match the rest of the wall

Most of these issues don’t show immediately, they appear after the paint dries, when it’s too late to ignore them.

Why professional painting looks different?

Professional painting isn’t about rushing through rooms, it’s about doing things in the right order.

A proper paint job usually includes:

-Inspecting wall condition before starting

-Correct filling and repair of cracks or holes

-Careful sanding and dust removal

-Sealing repaired areas so they don’t show through

-Clean cutting-in around ceilings, sockets, and edges

-Even, consistent coverage with the right tools

This is why professional finishes last longer and look cleaner, not because of “magic paint”, but because of process.

What affects the cost of painting a room?

Painting quotes can vary, and that’s normal. The main factors are:

-Size of the room

-Condition of the walls

-Number of coats required

-Type and finish of paint

-Furniture protection and access

-Any wall repairs needed beforehand

Very cheap quotes often skip preparation which is usually why the finish doesn’t last and needs redoing.

So… should you DIY or book a professional?

If you enjoy DIY, have time, and the walls are in good shape — painting yourself can be perfectly fine.

If you want:

-a clean, professional finish

-no mess or stress

-no second attempt

-and a result that actually lasts

then hiring a professional painter is usually the better option.

Need help with painting or wall preparation?

If you’d rather have it done properly, I offer professional painting and decorating services, including wall preparation and repairs.

You can:

-Book a quote

-Send photos on WhatsApp

-Book an appointment at a time that suits you

Sometimes the best DIY decision is knowing when not to DIY