DIY Painting or Hire a Professional

May 31, 2024

Painting Dilemma: Tackling Your Next Project with DIY Techniques or Trusting a Professional Painting Company in Treasure Valley, Idaho?

A person is holding a paint brush next to a bucket of paint.

Painting your home or office can be a great way to update its appearance and make it feel fresh and new again. However, the decision to tackle this project yourself or to hire a professional painting company like Spray 'n Coat Painting can be a difficult one for some. This article is to better help shed some light on just what the differences are in cost, processes, and quality between DIY painting and hiring a professional painting company.


Cost


One of the most significant differences between DIY painting and hiring a professional painting company is the cost, as you would expect. DIY painting may seem like a cheaper option, as you only have to purchase the paint and supplies. However, there are other factors to consider that can increase the cost significantly and even end up costing you more in the long run.


For example, you may need to purchase additional tools or equipment, such as paint sprayers, ladders, and drop cloths, which can quickly add up in cost. Additionally, if you make mistakes or encounter unforeseen issues, such as uneven walls or water damage, you may need to purchase additional supplies or end up hiring a professional to fix the problem, which can have a significant impact in the increase of the overall cost you first thought you would have.


On the other hand, hiring a professional painting company like Spray 'n Coat Painting may seem like a more expensive option upfront, however, a professional painting company can provide a more accurate estimate of the overall cost, as they have experience with similar projects and can anticipate any potential issues that may arise.


Professional painters also have access to high-quality paint and equipment, which can result in a more durable and longer-lasting finish. This means that while the initial cost may be higher, the overall cost may be lower in the long run, as you won't have to spend money on touch-ups or repainting in the near future.


Process


The process of DIY painting and hiring a professional painting company can also differ quite significantly. DIY painting requires a significant amount of preparation, including cleaning and possibly even sanding the walls, taping off trim and windows, and laying down drop cloths to protect the floors and furniture.


Once the preparation is complete, you'll need to apply the primer and possibly multiple coats of paint, depending on the quality of paint you purchased, which can be a time-consuming and often frustrating process, especially if you're not experienced with painting.


Hiring a professional painting company like Spray 'n Coat Painting can streamline the process and ensure that it's done correctly. They'll take care of all the preparation work, including cleaning and sanding the walls when applicable, taping off trim and windows, and protecting the floors and furniture for you. This is all part of the prep process professionals are accustomed to and it’s apparent in the quick ease with which they do it.


Professional painters also have access to and use the best of the best in professional-grade equipment, which helps speed up the process and ensures a smooth and even finish that is hard to emulate as a DIY painter. Additionally, professional painting companies, like Spray ‘n Coat Painting, have a team of experienced painters who pride themselves in their craftsmanship and can complete the project quickly and efficiently, which can be especially beneficial if you're on a tight timeline.


Quality


Perhaps the most significant, and no doubt most important differences between DIY painting and hiring a professional painting company is the overall quality of the finished product. DIY painting can result in an uneven finish, visible brush or roller marks, missed spots, or areas with thin coverage, as well as accidental paint splatter/bleed onto trim or ceilings.


Professional painting companies, like Spray 'n Coat Painting, have the experience and expertise to provide a high-quality finish, whether it’s interior painting, exterior painting, or cabinet painting. They'll use professional-grade equipment and high-quality paint, which can result in a more durable and longer-lasting finish.


Additionally, professional painters have an eye for detail, that is often overlooked by DIY painters and can ensure that every nook and cranny is painted correctly, resulting in a smooth and even finish. They can also provide advice on color selection and paint type, which can be especially helpful if you're not sure which colors or finishes will work best in your space.


Conclusion


In conclusion, there are significant differences in cost, process, and quality between DIY painting and hiring a professional painting company like Spray 'n Coat Painting. While DIY painting may seem like a cheaper option upfront, it can result in a less durable and less professional-looking finish, which can cost more in the long run.


Hiring a professional painting company may seem like a more expensive option, but it can save you time and provide a higher-quality finish. Additionally, professional painters can provide expert advice on color selection and paint type, which can be especially helpful if you're not experienced in interior design.


Ultimately, the decision to tackle a painting project yourself or to hire a professional painting company depends on your budget, timeline, and level of experience. If you have the time, tools, and experience to complete the project yourself, DIY painting may be a viable option. However, if you're short on time or want a professional-looking finish, hiring a professional painting company is the way to go.


At Spray 'n Coat Painting, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality painting services to homeowners and business owners throughout the greater Treasure Valley area. Our team of experienced painters are true craftsmen and use only the highest-quality paints and equipment to ensure that you are not only satisfied with the completed project but that you love the value we bring as well.


Contact us today to schedule your free estimate and take the first exciting step toward transforming your space with the same exceptional painting results that have made us famous throughout the Treasure Valley with countless Idahoans who have trusted Spray ‘n Coat Painting for over 14 years. We can’t wait to connect with you and bring your vision to life!

A Fresh Pastel Green Update in Nampa

September 5, 2025
Full exterior repaint brings new life to a Nampa neighborhood home At Spray ’n Coat Painting, we know that color can completely change how a home feels. For this Nampa homeowner, it was time to say goodbye to the dated tan and bring in something brighter and more cheerful. A full exterior repaint in a fresh pastel green paired with crisp ultra-pure white trim gave this home a lively new look while still feeling timeless in the neighborhood. The Scope Complete exterior repaint with repairs and prep This project involved a full repaint of the siding, trim, fascia, soffits, gutters, downspouts, and doors. Before painting, our crew filled holes along the right side of the home where an old cable had been removed, reinstalled the dryer vent, and backrolled the entire bottom edge of the home for smooth, even coverage. The System Durable coatings and careful prep for lasting results We applied pastel green as the body color, matching the soffits, front door, garage doors, and man doors to keep a clean, consistent look. The window trim, fascia, and gutters were finished in ultra-pure white for a bright, modern contrast. To ensure proper adhesion, we also primed the factory-finished gutters before painting.

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A high-performance floor system for a large 2,400 sq. ft. shop We recently completed a floor coating project in Marsing for a homeowner with a spacious 2,400 sq. ft. shop. With a space this large, the homeowner needed a floor that could handle heavy use, resist staining, and still look professional. They reached out to Spray ’n Coat Painting for a better-than-epoxy solution that would be durable, easy to maintain, and visually appealing. Here’s What We Did Surface Prep and Grinding: We started by diamond grinding the entire shop floor to open up the concrete and create a proper surface for adhesion. Any imperfections were repaired to ensure the coating bonded securely. Base Coat and Decorative Flake: Once the surface was prepped, we applied our industrial-grade polyurea base coat, followed by a full broadcast of our popular Keystone chip blend. This decorative flake system not only adds traction but also provides a clean, modern look that complements a wide range of shop uses. Protective Topcoat: To finish, we installed a UV-stable polyaspartic topcoat. This protective layer seals everything in, delivering long-term resistance against abrasions, chemicals, and Idaho’s extreme temperature swings, while also making the floor much easier to clean.

From DIY to Designer Finish in This Meridian Kitchen

September 5, 2025
A sleek cabinet makeover with soft-close upgrades and a professionally painted finish When this Meridian homeowner reached out, they had already attempted to repaint their kitchen cabinets on their own—but weren’t happy with how things were turning out. They knew they wanted a crisp, professional look and upgraded functionality. That’s where our cabinet refinishing team stepped in. We refinished all 16 cabinet doors and 14 drawer fronts in a rich charcoal hue, paired with new soft-close micro hinges to give the entire space a polished, high-end feel. The darker tone added contrast and elegance, creating the elevated finish they had originally envisioned. The Scope A full kitchen cabinet repaint with soft-close hardware installation This project included: 16 cabinet doors 14 drawer fronts Removal of old hinges and installation of new soft-close micro hinges All surfaces were cleaned, sanded, primed, and professionally sprayed using our factory-grade cabinet finish system for long-term durability and a beautiful satin sheen. The System A smooth, durable finish designed for everyday use We used a premium 2K waterborne polyurethane system from Gemini that cures harder and holds up better than traditional lacquer finishes. Unlike pre-cat lacquers or conversion varnishes that may yellow or crack over time, this cabinet-grade system resists chipping and stays looking new for years to come.

Installing a waterproof, non-slip system in a busy commercial kitchen in Garden City

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Riverside Hotel

A durable, non-slip floor coating system for a high-traffic processing facility in Kuna

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When CS Beef Packers reached out about coating specific walkways and restroom entry points in their Kuna facility, the priority was clear—improving safety and durability in areas exposed to constant foot traffic. This fast-paced industrial environment required a non-slip solution that could be installed quickly without compromising performance. We were glad to deliver a clean, safe, and long-lasting result. The Scope Strategic surface coating in hallways and entry areas This commercial floor coating project focused on two main hallway sections of approximately 100 square feet each , along with four restroom/locker room entry areas , ranging from 50–65 square feet per section. Our team completed all work in a single Saturday , carefully stopping at natural breaks in the concrete for a seamless finish that blended well with the surrounding flooring. The System Industrial-grade coating built for traction and longevity  To ensure long-term adhesion and optimal performance, we followed a multi-step process designed specifically for non-slip protection in commercial environments: Surface Prep : Concrete was aggressively sanded and ground to remove all existing coatings, wax, and surface contaminants. Epoxy Primer/Base Coat : A base layer of epoxy was applied directly to the bare concrete for strong bonding and as the foundation of the system. Quartz Broadcast : We applied a full broadcast of 50/70 mesh quartz sand into the wet epoxy to create a high-traction, textured surface. Topcoat : The system was completed with a light grey epoxy topcoat for added durability, visual clarity, and easy maintenance.

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Restoring a Sun-Faded Wood Door in Middleton, Idaho

August 4, 2025
Spray ’n Coat Painting recently completed a wood door refinishing project for a homeowner in Middleton, Idaho. Over time, their beautiful solid wood front door had faded and weathered from sun exposure—something we see often across the Treasure Valley. But rather than replace the door, the homeowner reached out to us to restore its appearance and match the interior wood tones for a cohesive look inside and out. Here’s What We Did We began by carefully sanding the front door and surrounding trim to remove the worn finish and prepare the surface for new stain. Before proceeding with the full application, we tested a sample stain on a small section of the door to make sure it matched the interior tones. Once approved by the homeowner, we applied stain across the entire door surface while keeping the door in place. After allowing proper dry time, we returned to apply two coats of a UV-stable clear finish. This protective layer will help preserve the color, protect against sun damage, and keep the door looking beautiful for years to come. Why Staining Is Better Than Replacing Many homeowners assume a worn or faded door needs to be replaced—but most solid wood doors just need the right restoration process. Staining not only revives the wood’s natural beauty, but also allows you to better control color tone and finish. It’s a more sustainable and cost-effective way to maintain curb appeal and protect your home’s entryway. Our UV-stable clear coats are especially important in areas like Middleton, where intense sunlight can break down traditional sealants and finishes over time.
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