DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: When It's Worth It to Call a Professional Painter
Painting your home can dramatically improve its appearance, increase property value, and refresh any room. But when it comes to tackling a painting project, homeowners often wonder: Should I do it myself, or hire a professional?
At
Thoreson Painting, we help San Diego homeowners make informed decisions by weighing the pros and cons of DIY versus professional painting. Here’s what you need to know about timelines, costs, safety, and quality before picking up a brush.
1. Timelines: How Long Will It Take?
DIY painting can be rewarding, but it’s often more time-consuming than expected. Factors that affect timelines include:
- Prep work: Cleaning, sanding, patching holes, and taping edges
- Multiple coats: Many walls require two or more coats, with proper drying time in between
- Skill level: Inexperience can slow progress and require touch-ups
Professional painters, like the team at Thoreson Painting, can complete projects faster thanks to experience, efficient techniques, and the right tools. For larger projects, hiring a pro can save weeks of work and frustration.
2. Cost Considerations: Upfront vs. Long-Term
DIY painting may seem cheaper initially, but hidden costs can add up:
- Paint, brushes, rollers, drop cloths, ladders, and other tools
- Mistakes that require repainting
- Time invested
Professional painting services provide:
- Accurate estimates with high-quality paint included
- Labor, prep, and cleanup handled efficiently
- Long-lasting results that reduce the need for frequent touch-ups
In many cases, investing in a professional painter pays off with superior results and long-term durability.
4. Quality: The Finish Makes the Difference
A smooth, even, and durable finish requires skill, practice, and high-quality materials. Common DIY challenges include:
- Uneven coverage or streaks
- Drips and splatters
- Poorly prepped surfaces leading to peeling or bubbling
Professional painters ensure:
- Proper surface preparation
- Even coats and attention to detail
- Use of premium paints and techniques for long-lasting results
The result is a polished, professional look that enhances your home’s value and appearance.
When It’s Worth Calling a Professional
Hiring a pro is usually the best choice when:
- You’re painting large areas or multiple rooms
- High ceilings, exterior walls, or tricky surfaces are involved
- You want a flawless, long-lasting finish
- Safety is a concern
- You don’t have the time or patience for a DIY project
For smaller accent walls or minor touch-ups, DIY can be fun and cost-effective—but for the big projects, professional painting is almost always worth it.
Why Choose Thoreson Painting
At Thoreson Painting, we specialize in helping San Diego homeowners achieve stunning, long-lasting results. Our team handles:
- Interior and exterior painting
- Detailed prep work for a flawless finish
- Cleanup, protection, and efficient project timelines
- Expert color consultation to bring your vision to life
We combine craftsmanship, experience, and high-quality materials to make sure every paint job looks perfect—and lasts for years.
Discover how color psychology shapes customer perception and behavior. Learn the best paint colors to enhance your business space and reflect your brand.
Discover the top 5 signs it’s time to repaint your home. Learn how peeling, fading, and weather damage can lead to costly problems—and how Thoreson Painting can help
Durability, Washability, and Long-Term Performance Matter
How to Choose the Right Finish for Every Room or Surface Choosing a paint color can be tough, but selecting the right paint finish is just as important. The finish you choose affects how your walls look, feel, and hold up over time. At Thoresen Painting, we help homeowners, business owners, and designers across San Diego pick the ideal finish for every surface, whether it’s a cozy bedroom, a high-traffic hallway, or a vibrant mural. Here’s what you need to know about matte, satin, semi-gloss, gloss, and how to make the right choice for your space. Why Paint Finish Matters Paint finishes (also called “sheens”) range from flat to high-gloss, each offering different benefits: Aesthetic: The finish affects how light reflects off the surface, which can change the overall look of a room. Durability: Some finishes are more resistant to moisture, stains, and wear, making them better for high-use areas. Cleanability: Higher-sheen paints are generally easier to wipe down. Common Paint Finishes Explained 1. Matte (Flat Finish) Best For: Ceilings, low-traffic rooms, accent walls Look: Soft and non-reflective Pros: Hides imperfections well, Rich, smooth appearance Cons: Harder to clean, Can scuff easily Ideal for: Bedrooms, living rooms, or ceilings where minimal light reflection and a calm look are preferred. 2. Eggshell Best For: Living rooms, dining rooms, or offices Look: Low sheen with slight luster (like an eggshell) Pros: Slightly more durable than matte, Still hides minor wall flaws Cons: Not ideal for areas that need frequent cleaning Ideal for: General-purpose walls in areas with moderate foot traffic. 3. Satin Best For: Kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms, hallways Look: Smooth and velvety with a soft sheen Pros: Easy to clean, Great balance between aesthetics and durability Cons: Can reveal wall imperfections more than eggshell or matte Ideal for: Busy households or commercial interiors where walls need to be wiped regularly. 4. Semi-Gloss Best For: Trim, doors, cabinets, bathrooms Look: Noticeably shiny and reflective Pros: Highly durable and washable, Moisture- and stain-resistant Cons: Highlights imperfections on uneven surfaces Ideal for: High-traffic or high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms, and for surfaces that need to stand out. 5. Gloss / High-Gloss Best For: Furniture, decorative features, commercial finishes Look: Very shiny and glass-like Pros: Ultra-durable and easy to clean, Bold, modern aesthetic Cons: Shows every imperfection. Surface prep must be flawless Ideal for: Cabinetry, statement walls, or modern commercial applications where durability and shine are essential. How to Choose the Right Finish Ask yourself: How much traffic will this space see? More traffic usually calls for more durability (satin or above). Do you need to clean this surface regularly? Kitchens, bathrooms, and kids' rooms benefit from wipeable finishes like satin or semi-gloss. Do you want to hide imperfections? Matte and eggshell are more forgiving for older or uneven walls. Is it a decorative focal point or trim? Semi-gloss or gloss adds visual pop and durability. Pro Tip from Thoresen Painting Many rooms benefit from mixing finishes . For example, you can use: Eggshell on walls for a soft feel Semi-gloss on trim and doors for contrast and durability Matte on ceilings to reduce light reflection Let’s Pick the Perfect Finish Together At Thoresen Painting, we’ve painted everything from ocean-view homes in La Jolla to custom murals and bustling commercial spaces throughout San Diego. We’ll help you choose the right finish, not just for style, but for real-life performance . Need help deciding what finish is best for your space? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
When it comes to painting — whether it's a cozy living room, a busy commercial storefront, or a stunning outdoor mural — the secret to a flawless, long-lasting finish isn’t just the paint you choose. It’s what happens before the first brushstroke hits the wall. At Thoresen Painting, we know that proper surface preparation is what truly sets a professional-quality paint job apart from the rest. Here's why steps like sanding, priming, and cleaning are so critical to achieving beautiful, durable results. Why Surface Preparation Matters Think of painting like building a house: if the foundation isn’t solid, everything on top of it can crack, peel, or fall apart. Surface prep ensures that your paint adheres properly, looks smoother, and lasts longer, saving you time and money in the long run. Without the right preparation, even the highest-quality paint will struggle to perform. Poor prep can cause: Bubbling and blistering Uneven textures Premature peeling Fading and discoloration Visible flaws like dents and cracks The Key Steps in Surface Preparation 1. Cleaning the Surface Dirt, dust, grease, and even invisible residues can prevent paint from bonding properly. We thoroughly wash walls, siding, ceilings, or surfaces using appropriate cleaners. On exterior projects, we may use pressure washing. Indoors, a mild detergent and water solution can do the trick. Clean surfaces mean clean adhesion — it’s as simple as that. 2. Repairing Imperfections Small cracks, holes, dents, and other imperfections can show through even multiple coats of paint. We patch, fill, and sand these areas to create a smooth and even surface. For murals or detailed work, this step is especially important because even tiny flaws can disrupt the overall look. 3. Sanding Sanding isn't just about smoothing — it also helps create a slightly roughened surface that paint or primer can "grab" onto. Whether we're lightly scuffing glossy surfaces or smoothing patched drywall, sanding is essential for achieving a consistent, professional texture. 4. Priming Primer acts as the "bridge" between the surface and the paint. It helps with: Sealing porous surfaces (like new drywall or raw wood) Preventing stains from bleeding through Improving color vibrancy and coverage Enhancing adhesion for longer-lasting results Skipping primer can lead to dull, uneven, and easily damaged paint jobs. 5. Masking and Protecting Surrounding Areas A clean workspace ensures a cleaner final product. We carefully mask off areas that shouldn’t be painted — like trim, windows, fixtures, and floors — to keep edges sharp and minimize mess. Long-Term Benefits of Proper Preparation When surfaces are properly prepped, your paint job will: Last years longer with fewer touch-ups Resist peeling, cracking, and moisture damage Look smoother, brighter, and more polished Save you money by reducing the need for early repaints or repairs For businesses, it also means maintaining a professional appearance that builds trust with customers. For homeowners, it means pride in your living space that stands the test of time. Trust the Pros at Thoresen Painting Proper surface preparation isn’t the glamorous part of painting — but it’s the most important part. At Thoresen Painting, our commitment to excellence starts long before the first coat of paint. Whether it’s a residential refresh, a large-scale commercial project, or a custom mural, we make sure every surface is flawlessly prepped for maximum beauty and durability.