I don't know whether I have just got a little bit lazy lately, but increasingly I seem to have been putting off all the home improvement jobs that desperately need doing when, in the past, I would have just cracked on and got them done and dusted. It might be that life just got so busy, or maybe, having renovated numerous houses on a DIY basis over the years, I am just done with all that now.
It is 10 years since we completed the extension and renovation of the Edwardian cottage we now call home and the place is definitely in need of a bit of a makeover – particularly the walls and woodwork. The open plan kitchen diner is painted white and, in all honesty, the paintwork has always bugged me a bit. It's not like I don't know how to paint a room but, as I recall, we used a pretty cheap paint and it was a bit of a rush job meaning you can see the brushstrokes, plus bright white really was a bad choice – around cooking areas where there are grease splatters and sauce stains that really let the whole space down.
It isn't just this room that needs repainting though, the whole house could do with a fresh coat – which seems a little daunting. For this reason I am thinking of calling in a professional to get the job done – but I know I could probably save a considerable amount of money by just doing it myself. I decided to ask the experts what they think the best course of action is.
Article continues belowIs DIY painting worth it?
In the past I have happily pulled out the paintbrushes and got on with it. Recently, I redecorated my daughter's room, realising that I need to up my teenage bedroom ideas and, I don't mind saying, that the results were pretty good. However, that was just one room – when it comes to the rest of the house, will the time and effort be worth it?
Jack Reading, marketing manager at Emperor Paint, had some useful advice for me. “The cost saving of going DIY is the obvious benefit, but what people don't always consider is what you can do with that saving," says Jack. "When you're not paying for a service, you can put that money into a better quality product, and that genuinely changes what's available to you. A professional decorator will typically use whatever they're familiar with. When you do it yourself, you get to make that decision. You know your home better than anyone ever will, so you know where the problems are, what needs attention before, and what you want to achieve."
There are other benefits to be had from a DIY approach too, as Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn explains.
“Taking on a painting project yourself can be a really enjoyable way to connect with your home," points out Cathryn. "It offers the freedom to explore colour at your own pace, refresh a room over a weekend and feel a genuine sense of satisfaction in the finished result. With thoughtful preparation and a good quality paint, many homeowners can achieve a beautiful outcome, particularly in smaller spaces or on straightforward walls."
Jack Reading has worked with the team at Emperor Paint for over five years, helping shape Emperor’s drive to empower homeowners to transform and protect their homes. Drawing on his experience helping hundreds of homeowners and professionals with their projects, he now develops resources, training materials and expert guidance that make exterior decorating achievable for anyone.
Cathryn Sanders is Head of Creative at Earthborn and has worked for the brand for over a decade, meaning she has a wealth of knowledge on paints, trends and the interiors industry as a whole. Working on several colour launches, she is well-versed in trend forecasting, particularly with regard to colour, and subsequently gets the final say on all of Earthborn’s new colours and colour names.
What can the professionals do that DIY can't?
The master bedroom was the last room we decorated here and by that time we had kind of run out of steam so we called in a professional to paint – he made it look so easy and the results were perfect which did make me question when to DIY and when to call in the pros.
"Sometimes calling in a professional is simply the right decision," says Jack Reading. "If the scale of a job is beyond what you can realistically manage, if significant remedial work is needed before you can even think about painting, or if the job requires specialist equipment, that's exactly what professionals are there to help with. They're well-versed in getting surfaces to the right condition and have the tools to do it efficiently. Knowing when to bring in help is just as valuable as knowing when you can do it yourself.”
"There are times when calling in a professional decorator can feel like the right choice," picks up Cathryn Sanders. "Larger projects, detailed cabinetry or older walls that require specialist preparation can benefit from experienced hands. Professionals often work more efficiently and bring a level of consistency that helps everything feel seamlessly finished."
How much can you save by DIY painting?
The main driver behind my DIY efforts in the past has been the savings that can be made by tackling jobs like this yourself. According to Checkatrade, the average painter and decorator's day rate currently sits at £325 and while how long it takes to paint a room varies, I'm guessing there's at least three to four days work here meaning I could make considerable savings if I do the job myself.
That said, you still need to factor in buying not just the paint, but also the tools for the job – and this really is no place to scrimp on quality.
"Don't underestimate the difference that good tools and a quality product make," says Jack Reading. "People can spend a lot of time and effort on the preparation and process, and then try to save money on the paint or tools, but that's where it can unravel. The product you choose determines how it looks, how easy it is to apply, and ultimately how long it lasts. Get that right, and everything else you've put into it is really worthwhile.”
"Ultimately, it is less about one option being better than the other, and more about what suits your time, budget and confidence," adds Cathryn Sanders.
How can you achieve professional painting results?
While painting walls on a DIY basis might save you money, will the results ever be as good as the pros can achieve?
"DIY painting does require more than simply opening a tin," says Cathryn Sanders. "Achieving the desired effect requires having the right tools for the job and preparing the walls properly before you start applying paint. For tools, you’ll need a good paint brush for cutting in, a short pile roller, roller tray, sandpaper to prepare uneven surfaces, low adhesive tape to create clean lines, dust sheets and some old clothes for painting in.
"To ensure an even coat, it is worth putting in the prep work before you start painting, including filling any slight cracks or small holes in the walls to allow for an even surface and much smoother result."
“The biggest tip I'd give anyone is to approach it as a process rather than just picking up a brush and getting started," adds Jack Reading. "Decorators achieve professional results because they follow a method. Surfaces are properly prepared, everything is covered and the right tools are used for the job. It can feel tempting to skip those steps and get straight to the painting, but the finish you achieve is only ever as good as the surface you're painting onto. Take the time to do it properly, and the actual painting becomes the easy part."
Shop DIY painting kit
Containing everything you need to get your project off to a good start, this kit includes rollers, brushes, mixing stick, decorator's tape, plastic sheeting and extension bar, not to mention a whole host of other handy tools.
A set of high-quality paint brushes makes such a difference not only to how easy the job is but also when it comes to the final finish. This set is perfect for cutting in, woodwork and finishing off walls.
One of the things that puts me off DIY painting is the mess that usually follows so a thick, polythene-backed cotton dust sheet like this is top of my shopping list – this one is well-sized too.
FAQs
Does the type of paint you use really make a difference?
While taking a DIY approach to painting can definitely save you money, it is really important to realise that trying to make further savings by buying the least costly paint you can find is not a wise idea at all – there is a difference between expensive and cheap paints.
"When painting an interior yourself, I recommend using a high quality paint to ensure a professional, long-lasting finish," says Laura Hammett, creative director of design studio and homeware brand, Laura Hammett Living. "One of the main differences between premium and trade paints lies in the formulation. Premium paints typically contain a much higher pigment concentration and finer quality binders, which means the colour appears richer, more consistent, and more resistant to fading over time. They also tend to have better coverage, so fewer coats are needed to achieve a flawless result.
"The finish is another important distinction," continues Laura. "Premium paints create a smoother, more refined surface with minimal visible brush or roller marks, which can completely elevate the look and feel of a room. They’re also more durable and washable, making them ideal for busy homes where walls need to stand up to everyday wear without compromising on appearance."
Laura Hammett is the eponymous founder and creative director of London-based interior architecture and design studio, which she runs alongside her husband, Aaron. The multi-award-winning practice specialises in luxury projects worldwide, providing interior architecture and design services to some of the world’s most discerning clients. Laura’s design ethos is to create bespoke homes that are authentic, liveable, and timeless, tailoring her signature ‘classic contemporary’ aesthetic to each individual client so no two projects are ever the same. In November 2023, Laura added a new venture to her design repertoire with Laura Hammett Living, the luxury homeware brand.
Along with deciding whether I am going to take the DIY or professional route when it comes to repainting, I also need to make a choice on which kitchen wall colours to opt for this time round. White is definitely out for me – I'll be looking for something that adds a little more warmth yet also hides the inevitable stains and smudges that will appear over time.
