It was all fun and games until the paint began to dry.
With a young family, my partner and I decided it would be an entertaining activity if the children helped us paint our bedroom walls. With the exotic colour choice of dark teal, we all got to work.
As the variety of brushes and techniques began to appear, so did a range of patterns on our bedroom walls. Of course, we didn’t realise this until the paint had dried and it was too late.
The kids had an absolute blast, but then again it isn’t their room that now has an array of swirls and train tracks zigzagging in every direction.
Staring into the teal abyss each night, I wonder what might have been if we had hired a professional.
Pros
Cost: The most obvious bonus of DIY painting is it is inherently cheaper. The labour from a hired professional costs money and doing the work yourself is free. If you have time to spare to paint, why not save a bit of money by doing the hard work yourself?
Control: When painting yourself, the control of the outcome is in your hands. Professionals may offer opinions on colour schemes that differ from your own. To avoid the hassle of having your colour design questioned, take control and do the job yourself.
Satisfaction: There’s something special about creating by yourself. DIY projects are great for boosting self-confidence and esteem. This satisfaction can’t be reached by hiring someone to do the job for you.\
Fun: DIY projects can be enjoyable, and everyone can get involved. Although it may take a steady hand to perfect the edges and windowsills, anyone with a willing attitude and a paintbrush can join in.
Cons
Many people think they have what it takes to embark on a painting project themselves, and many can. However, there are some repercussions.
Skill: Hired painters are experts trained to reduce mishaps. Although accidents are never planned, they can still happen. A consequence of DIY painting jobs is the greater chance of painting disasters. You don’t want to cry over spilt paint.
Materials: Without a professional, you don’t get their equipment. This includes:
- Paint
- Drop cloths
- Tape
- Paint trays
- Paint rollers and refills
- Ladders
- Detail brushes
- Face masks
You’ll have to purchase these items yourself to achieve professional results.
It’s better to realise your skill limitations before purchasing these products. You don’t want to attempt painting and then have to hire a pro to fix your mistakes. This will only cost you more money.
Stress: DIY painting can become an anxiety-inducing event. Life is stressful enough balancing both work and social lives. Breathe easy knowing you’ve hired a specialist who has what it takes to handle your painting project for you.
Time: It can take hours, even days for an amateur to complete a DIY painting task. It's difficult to find this time. Professionals, through their training and practice, have perfected this art down to the second.
No matter what you decide, to DIY or hire a professional, may the fresh coat of paint liven up for life and brighten up your home.
Happy painting!