Professional Painting vs. DIY: What You Need to Know

Thinking of painting your home? You might be wondering whether to do it yourself or hire someone. You’re not alone—many homeowners ask the same thing.

Painting may sound simple, but it often requires more time, tools, and patience than expected. At the same time, hiring a professional means incurring additional expenses upfront. So, what’s the better choice?

In this guide, we’ll go over what you need to know before you start. We’ll look at how much time you’ll need, what skills are involved, and what you might end up paying for—no matter which option you choose.

If you’re exploring local help, there are plenty of Portland painting companies out there. But before you reach out, let’s look at the whole picture.

Things You Need to Know: Professional Painting vs. DIY

• DIY Takes More Time Than You Might Expect

Painting isn’t just rolling color onto a wall. First, you need to move or cover your furniture, lay down drop cloths, tape the edges, and possibly repair any holes or cracks.

Even a single room can take up an entire weekend—or longer. If you’ve got a full-time job or kids at home, that’s a big commitment.

Pros show up with a team, and they’re in and out fast. What takes a weekend for a homeowner might take them just a day.

• The Finish Depends on Skill

Anyone can paint. But not everyone can paint well.

If you’ve ever seen streaks, patchy spots, or paint on the ceiling, you’ve seen what can happen with less experience. Some people learn quickly, but it takes a steady hand and the proper technique to achieve a smooth, even color that looks clean and sharp.

Professional painters have done this hundreds of times. They know the tricks—like how to “cut in” along ceilings and trim—and they don’t leave behind brush marks or missed spots.

• Prep Work Is Half the Job

Ask any pro: the final look depends a lot on how well you prep the walls.

That means cleaning them, patching holes, sanding rough areas, and sometimes adding primer. Skipping these steps can result in peeling paint, uneven color, or bumps beneath the surface.

Most homeowners rush this part or skip it altogether. A professional won’t. Prep is part of their process, and it makes the difference between a paint job that lasts and one that fades or cracks.

• Paint and Tools Can Get Pricey

At first glance, DIY painting appears to be cheaper. No labor costs, right? However, once you start making purchases, the bill can quickly accumulate.

You’ll need:

• Paint (usually 2–3 gallons per room)
• Brushes and rollers
• Paint trays and extenders
• Drop cloths and tape
• Ladders (if your room has high ceilings)

If you don’t already have these, you could easily spend a few hundred dollars. And if you choose the wrong type of paint or finish, you may end up repainting sooner than expected.

That’s one reason many people look for experienced painting contractors in Portland locals trust—to avoid wasting time and money.

• There’s a Safety Side to This Too

Painting can be physical work. If you’re standing on a ladder or reaching into tight corners for hours, it gets tiring. It can also be risky, especially with tall walls, staircases, or ceilings.

Pros know how to stay safe. They’ve got the gear, and they work in teams, which makes tricky spots easier to reach. They also use low-odor, safer paints when needed, especially in small or poorly ventilated spaces.

• Choosing the Right Paint Isn’t Always Easy

There are many types of paint—matte, satin, semi-gloss, latex, and oil-based—and not all work well in every space.

For example, kitchens and bathrooms need paint that can handle moisture. Living rooms require a softer finish that conceals wall imperfections. Picking the wrong one could mean repainting sooner than you’d like.

Painters can guide you through the entire process. They know what works where, and they can help you pick the right color and finish from the start.

• The Cleanup Is Often Forgotten

When you think about painting, you might overlook what happens afterward.

You still need to remove the tape, clean the brushes, wash the trays, fold up the drop cloths, and return your furniture to its original position. If you spilled anything, it needs to be cleaned fast.

When you hire pros, they handle the cleanup. They leave the space looking finished, not like a work zone. That alone can be worth the price for busy homeowners.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Both options can work; it depends on your specific situation.

Go the DIY route if:

• You enjoy home projects
• You’re painting a small area
• You already have the tools
• You’re not on a tight schedule

Consider hiring pros if:

• You want perfect, long-lasting results
• You’re painting a whole house or a tricky area
• You don’t have time
• You’ve had trouble with paint jobs in the past

Painting is one of the quickest ways to make a space feel new again. Whether you do it yourself or hire out, the goal is the same: to make your home look and feel better.

If you decide to go with a professional, look for a company that knows what they’re doing and has happy customers. ESP Painting, located in Beaverton, Oregon, has been helping homeowners for years. They offer expert results, friendly service, and peace of mind. When you’re ready to refresh your home, they’re a name you can count on.

Jeff Sommers

Jeff Sommers is a vibrant and experienced professional, having been at the helm of ESP Painting, Inc. for 27 remarkable years. As President, he has become an esteemed leader in the Commercial & Residential Construction industry in Oregon, United States. His experience has seen him gain valuable insight and knowledge, making him an invaluable asset to ESP Painting and its customers. With a bubbly personality and upbeat attitude, Jeff always looks ahead to the future as he continues his leadership journey toward success.