Doing It Yourself

Do-it-yourself Interior and Exterior House Painting

Painting the interior or exterior of your home yourself can be a fun and extremely satisfying DYI home improvement project. But, if you are not properly prepared it can also be a real chore. There is much more to a professional paint job than just slapping on a few coats of paint. For a quality result that you will provide long-lasting results you will need to do some research - using the wrong paints, not preparing the surface correctly or using the wrong tools, can lead to premature paint breakdown, poor paint coverage, and above all disappointment in the finished results.

Here are some key things to consider when deciding whether to do-it-yourself or hire a professional painter (see "Choosing a Painter, Paperhanger (Wallpaper Installer) or Colour Consultant"):

• Save money. This is clearly the biggest incentive for most homeowners. You will save money by doing the paint job yourself but you will need to invest in some equipment to ensure quality results. In addition to the paint and primer, you'll need to buy brushes, rollers, sponges, drop cloths, ladders, paint scrapers, wire brushes, paint stripper, sandpaper, caulking, painter's tape, masks, eye protection, the list goes on. For exterior painting jobs you might also need to hire pressure washers and paint sprayers. Costs can add up quickly but try not to skimp on materials. Most paint problems result from the use of poor quality materials and inferior paint. A professional painter will have the tools needed to complete the job.
  
• Time.  Carefully consider how much time the project is going to take. Painting the bathroom is quick but if you want to paint the whole house then you will need to factor in preparation and drying times and possibly tackle the project in stages.
• Preparation. According to our home painting experts surface preparation can amount up to 75 percent of the time of a painting job. Inadequate painting preparation is the major reason for paint failure and poor quality results. This includes: cleaning all surfaces, repairing any holes or cracks, scraping loose or damaged paint, sanding trims, taping off window trims, floors and doors, removing switch plates, priming areas and removing furniture. This is extremely time-consuming but vital for long lasting results.
  
• Experience. Painting is a skilled trade. Professional house painters are experts and can offer a level of quality not easily obtained by the average do-it-yourselfer. Use your judgement. If you haven't done painting before start with a small interior painting project like a bedroom, then move onto more difficult jobs. Exterior painting is labour intensive and can be hazardous if you need to use ladder's and work around electricity, gas and phone lines. Painting also involves lots of dust, the use of solvents and with older houses the possibility of dealing with poisonous lead-based paint removal.
  
• Materials. Only buy quality paint. There is no such thing as a good inexpensive can of paint. Better quality coatings will give you better coverage, more square metres per litre and longer life. The same goes for brushes and rollers. Quality tools will reduce the amount of time and effort it takes to finish your house painting project.
  
• Health and Safety. Painting can be messy and hazardous. Read precautionary labels on paint tins and safely dispose of any leftover paints. Professional painters will are trained in protecting flooring, furniture, landscape and making sure that all rubbish and materials are safely removed after the job is completed. If your home was built before 1970 then there is a chance that it contains poisonous lead-based paint. Professional painters have the appropriate saftey equipment to keep you, and your family and themselves safe (we have a free article on this:
  "Health and Safety Tips - Paint Disposal, Fumes, etc.").
  

For a hassle free way to get estimates for your house painting project from professional painters and painting services, simply fill out our Painting Quotes Registration Form Page. This online service is FREE. All painting companies have been prequalified so you can be confident in your selection!