Have you ever thought about painting your house yourself to save some cash? At first, DIY house painting might seem like a budget-friendly idea, but is it really as simple or cost-effective as it seems?
If you’re planning to give your home a fresh new look this year, this blog will help you weigh your options. So before you grab that roller, let’s break it all down.
In this blog, we’ll uncover the common struggles DIY painters face, the real benefits of hiring professional painters in Sydney, and why so many Australians ultimately trust the experts to get the job done right.
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The Rise of DIY House Painting in Australia
Since the pandemic, DIY home improvement projects have been almost everywhere in Australia. From upcycling furniture to building decks and landscaping, homeowners have embraced the challenge of transforming their homes—including house painting.
In fact, Australia ranks 7th among the world’s top 10 DIY markets by revenue, generating €12.58 billion, just behind the UK (Statista Research Department, 2022). The house painting industry is also booming, with painting and decorating services growing at 3.9% yearly for the past five years (IBISWorld, 2023).
But despite this DIY craze, many find themselves in trouble. Social media has fueled a surge in DIY projects, yet 69% of Australians admit to experiencing DIY disasters. Among home improvement mistakes, painting tops the list at 43% of the most common DIY project gone wrong (Hipages, 2024).
So, why do so many Australians still choose DIY house painting despite these challenges?
Why Many Choose DIY House Painting
1. Cost savings
Many assume that DIY painting is cheaper than hiring a professional. For example, a single-bedroom can cost between $400–$1,200, while a full three-bedroom house interior painting can cost around $8,500 (Painters Institute). To lower their expenses, many homeowners attempt to paint their homes themselves.
2. Influence of social media
Thanks to TikTok and Instagram, DIY projects look easier than ever, inspiring many to grab a paintbrush and give it a go. But while social media makes it look so effortless, this fad has also led to many renovation disasters, with painting being the number one issue.
3. It looks easy
At first glance, painting a house looks simple—just grab a roller and you’re good to go. But once they start, they quickly realise it’s not as easy as it looks. From choosing the right materials to mastering proper techniques, a quality paint job requires time, skill, and patience to avoid costly mistakes.
What are the Common Challenges of DIY House Painting?
Painting your home may seem like a simple weekend project, but for many DIY painters, it often turns into a more complicated challenge. Here are the biggest struggles people face when attempting DIY paint jobs.
1. Lack of skill and experience
Achieving a professional-quality finish requires more than just rolling paint on a wall. Expert painters use techniques like cutting in, feathering, and proper brush strokes to create a smooth and even coverage. But most DIY painters lack experience, which often leads to visible brush marks, roller streaks, and patchy coverage.
2. Time-consuming
Painting a house involves a lot of prep work like sanding, priming, taping, and applying multiple coats while making sure the surface has clean, even layers. While a professional team can finish a three-bedroom house in 3–5 days, a DIY project could drag on for weeks or even months, depending on the owner’s availability and skill level.
3. Higher risk of mistakes
Experience makes a big difference. And let’s be real—most homeowners aren’t professional painters which makes mistakes like these too common:
✔ Drips and Runs – Too much paint on the brush or roller leads to unattractive streaks.
✔ Uneven Coverage – Missing a second coat or forgetting to use a primer results in patchy walls.
✔ Wrong Paint Type – Using interior paint on exterior surfaces leads to faster wear and peeling.
4. Hidden costs
DIY painting can initially appear as budget-friendly, but once you consider all paints and materials, you’ll be surprised as to how the costs can quickly add up.
- Quality house paint can cost $30–$120 per liter depending on the type of finish
- Paint brushes can range from $5 – $20, while rollers cost $10–$35 each
- Other essentials like drop sheets, painter’s tape, and primer can amount to $100–$300
By the time you purchase everything, you could end up spending just as much—or even more—than hiring a professional, especially if you need to correct some mistakes.
So is DIY really the best way to go?
5 Reasons Why You Need to Leave House Painting to the Pros
Since the post pandemic DIY boom, many homeowners have managed their own painting projects. But if you’re considering a full house repaint or even just refreshing a single room, it’s worth asking: why do so many people still hire professional painters?
Here’s why bringing the experts is worth it:
1. They know what they’re doing
Painting isn’t just about placing color on a wall. Professional painters understand different paint types, application techniques, and which materials work best for specific surfaces. This means your paint job won’t just look good—it’ll last.
2. They use high-quality paint and tools
Professionals use industry-grade paints and equipment that aren’t always available at your local hardware store. These products last longer, provide better coverage, and are often more eco-friendly.
3. They prep the right way for long-lasting results
Great painting starts even before the very first brushstroke. Professionals handle surface preparation like cleaning, sanding, patching holes, and priming to make sure the paint goes on smoothly and stays put without peeling or fading. Skipping these steps is one of the biggest reasons many DIY paint jobs fail.
4. They deliver a flawless, professional finish
Have you ever seen a DIY house paint job with streaks, uneven edges, or roller marks? That’s because painting is an art that takes years of practice.
Getting that perfect, streak-free finish with crisp lines isn’t as easy as it looks—it takes skill, patience, and a lot of practice. That’s where professional painters like Paintistry come in. They’ve mastered the art of painting, making sure every surface looks flawless and polished.
It’s no surprise that more and more homeowners and builders turn to pros, with over 20,900 painting businesses in Australia (IBISWorld, 2023). That’s proof that expertise matters when it comes to a quality paint job.
5. They save you time and hassle
Painting might look easy, but it’s time-consuming. Often, DIYers underestimate just how long it takes as they juggle work, family, and daily life—finding time to finish can be overwhelming.
Hiring expert painting services in Sydney means the job gets done fast, efficiently and with zero stress.
Final thoughts: Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?
DIY painting may seem exciting and cost-effective but as we’ve seen, it comes with lots of challenges. From choosing the right materials and mastering techniques, to the time-consuming prep work – there’s always a risk of costly mistakes.
But if you want a high-quality, long-lasting result without the stress and hassle, hiring a professional like Paintistry is the way to go. You’ll save time, avoid mistakes and frustration, and get a perfect finish that enhances your home’s beauty and value.
Thinking about giving your home a fresh new look? Let’s help you skip the DIY stress.
Get in touch today and we’ll give you the smooth finish you deserve!
