DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: What’s the Best Choice for Your Next Paint Project? | Southwestern Paint

July 30, 2025 2 min read

Whether you’re planning to refresh a single room or repaint your entire home, the first big decision is whether to roll up your sleeves—or call in a professional. Painting can seem like a straightforward DIY project, but the Texas heat, humidity, and unique surfaces can add unexpected challenges. Here’s a breakdown of when to DIY and when to bring in the pros.

The Case for DIY Painting

DIY painting can be a fun and rewarding project—especially for interior spaces that don’t require ladders or complex prep.

Great DIY Projects:

  • Accent walls or powder rooms
  • Repainting doors, trim, or baseboards
  • Refreshing kids' rooms or rentals between tenants

Pros of Doing It Yourself:

  • Cost savings on labor
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Full creative control

If you choose to DIY, make sure you’re using high-quality paint and tools. Benjamin Moore paints like Aura® Interior or Regal® Select offer superior coverage and durability, reducing the number of coats you’ll need. The team at Southwestern Paint can also help you select the best brushes, rollers, and primers to make the job easier and more professional-looking.

 

When to Hire a Pro

While DIY may work for smaller jobs, professional painters are often the better choice when:

  • Working on high ceilings or exteriors
  • Dealing with drywall repairs or water damage
  • Matching difficult textures or historical paint colors
  • Trying to meet tight timelines or staging a home for sale

In Houston’s humid climate, exterior painting requires the right prep and the right products. A pro will know how to handle chalky surfaces, prevent mildew, and apply exterior products like Benjamin Moore Element Guard®, which is specially designed for high-moisture environments.

Pros also have access to commercial-grade sprayers and scaffolding, which can make a big difference in finish quality and efficiency.

What About Cost?

Professional painting costs more up front, but it can save money in the long run by avoiding do-overs, missed spots, or peeling paint. Plus, a flawless paint job can increase your home’s value and make it more appealing to potential buyers.

If you’re unsure, get a quote from a trusted contractor and compare it to your DIY costs—including time and supplies. You might be surprised at the value a pro can offer.


Visit Southwestern Paint for Expert Advice

Still deciding? Come talk it through with one of our knowledgeable team members at Southwestern Paint. We’ve been helping Houston homeowners and contractors for decades, and we’ll help you plan your project, select the best Benjamin Moore paints, and recommend reliable local pros if needed.

Stop by a Southwestern Paint Store Near You

Whether you're going DIY or hiring out, the best results start with the best paint and advice. Visit one of our Southwestern Paint locations across Houston and explore our full line of Benjamin Moore paint, tools, and sundries. Our team is here to help you get it done right—the first time.



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