6 Paint Projects You Might Tackle Solo

We preach about the impact paint can have on a room, not to mention your mood. But when it comes to putting more complex ideas into action—perhaps a little room eyeliner—you’re often better off hiring a professional. As they say, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. We caught up with the pros at Paintzen to get the lowdown on six paint projects that are best reserved for the experts.

Kitchen Cabinets

Painting a flat surface sounds easy enough, but before you take a brush to the cupboard’s veneer, consider the type of paint you’re using. With all that goes on in the kitchen—the heat, the spills, the splatter—it’s important to select a high-build primer (this is where working with a professional makes a difference) and top coat durable enough to withstand the wear and tear, advises Paintzen senior director Meghan Stewart. “Make sure that the sanding and priming phases are done correctly,” she says, “otherwise this DIY project can easily turn into a financial disaster, leading to having to replace [the cabinets].” If your cabinets have molding or other detailing, you’ll definitely benefit from an expert’s help—the last thing you want is uneven paint globs on your freshly updated cabinetry.

Two-Tone Walls

When you can’t make up your mind on the color to paint a room, you can go for two—preferably in the form of a rad color-block. What’s not so rad? Having one hue drip down onto the other. A pro will have the right tools for the job: “You’ll need a laser level and the right kind of tape,” says Stewart. “Walls are delicate and easily damaged by the incorrect tape being used to create lines.” Here, a very steady hand can go a long way.

Doors

Similar to cabinetry, doors are yet another surface best left to a seasoned painter due to their detailing. Plus, streaks are never a good look. According to Stewart, doors are very susceptible to damage and dirt since they’re constantly being opened and closed, so a durable, cleanable finish is also crucial.

Exteriors

“Exteriors pose all sorts of logistical hurdles,” says Stewart, “from extreme heights to difficulty maneuvering around trees and shrubs.” Aside from the obvious safety concerns, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the highest-quality paint.

Floors

There are a lot of factors to take into account when you’re painting a floor, most importantly the surface you’ll be painting—wood planks and tile will require different approaches. Considering the fact that you’ll be walking all over this project, you also want to make sure that the result can withstand high traffic.

Ceilings

The ceiling is one of the most labor-intensive spots to paint, says Stewart. The higher it is, the more strenuous and time-consuming the project will be. And let’s not forget the condition the ceiling is in. “If it’s wavy or older plaster, a very precise cut line will need to be made to make sure that the edges appear straight,” she adds. “Sometimes, you even need to make your own beginning and end points to achieve that cohesive look.” All that to say: Hire it out.