DIY vs Professional Painters: What’s Worth Doing Yourself Over the Holiday Break?

The holiday break is a popular time for DIY painting—long weekends, warm weather and extra daylight make it tempting to tackle home projects yourself. But not every job is as simple (or as safe) as it looks.

Wellington’s unique conditions—wind, salt air, steep sites and sudden weather changes—mean some painting tasks are better handled by professionals.

This guide breaks down which painting jobs you can DIY this summer, and which ones are best left to experienced painters.

1. When DIY Painting Makes Sense

Some projects are low risk, affordable and perfect for motivated homeowners. DIY can work well if:

• the area is small
• the surface doesn’t require specialist prep
• safety risks are minimal
• the finish doesn’t need to be flawless

Here are ideal DIY-friendly projects.

2. DIY-Friendly Painting Projects

Interior Feature Walls

A single wall is cost-effective, simple to prep and low risk.

Bedrooms & Low-Traffic Rooms

Straightforward cutting-in and rolling; easy to complete over a weekend.

Touch-Ups on Interior Trim

Skirting boards, door frames and scuff marks are manageable.

Repainting Small Furniture or DIY Decor

Perfect for summer creativity.

Garden Fences (If Flat Ground)

Works well as long as the fence is stable and the site is level.

3. When You Should Hire a Professional Painter

Some tasks carry safety risks, complex prep work or require a flawless finish.

Exterior Painting on Multi-Storey Homes

Wellington’s wind and steep sections make this dangerous without proper equipment.

Roof Painting

Height + heat + sudden gusts = extremely high risk.

Weatherboard Restoration

Scraping, sanding, priming and repairing must be done correctly.

Full Exterior Repaints

Requires:

• professional prep
• scaffolding
• climate timing
• proper primers and paint systems

Villas & Heritage Homes

Detail painting and lead-based paint risks require expertise.

4. Why Some Painting Jobs Don’t Suit DIY in Wellington

Wellington adds extra challenges most DIY guides don’t mention.

Strong Wind

Affects spraying and drying.

Salt Air

Reduces paint adhesion if surfaces aren’t washed correctly.

UV Exposure

Causes rapid drying → streaks and lap marks.

Steep Sections & Tight Access

Increase fall risks and require specialised equipment.

Professional painters anticipate these conditions and adapt safely.

5. Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional

DIY isn’t always cheaper.

DIY Costs:

• paint & primer
• rollers, brushes & trays
• sanding equipment
• drop sheets
• ladders or scaffolding (often expensive to hire)

Professional Costs:

• all equipment included
• industry discounts on paint
• specialist prep
• guaranteed finish

For small interior jobs, DIY makes sense.
For anything exterior or multi-level, pros are more cost-efficient and far safer.

6. Projects You Should Never DIY

• Roof painting
• Second-storey exteriors
• Asbestos surfaces
• Lead-based paint removal
• Work requiring scaffolding

If a fall or hazard is possible, DIY is not worth the risk.

7. Tips for Safe Summer DIY Painting

If you do decide to DIY, follow these:

• paint early morning or late afternoon
• avoid strong wind days
• prep surfaces thoroughly
• wear safety glasses & masks
• test colours in natural light
• protect flooring and furniture

For exterior work:

• avoid painting in full midday sun
• don’t paint if wind gusts exceed 20–25 km/h
• never work at height alone