Painting a Picture of Success

DIY or DIFY?

There are many reasons to hire a painter even though many individuals choose to carry out their own projects. Globally, thousands of service providers can assist with painting projects, but there are an equal number of options when it comes to purchasing your own paint supplies.

Ultimately, small projects are often carried out by amateur individuals, whereas industrial or commercial projects are left to professionals. The main question, therefore, is whether doing it yourself is the right approach or doing it for you is the right approach.

Painting, by Numbers

The painting and decorating industry is an incredibly lucrative business right now, with the global pandemic of the early 2020s leading to more people and companies choosing to renovate rather than buy new.

The UK painting and decorating industry, for example, saw record revenue of £4.3 billion in 2023, an 8.3% increase on the previous year. Globally, the industry was valued at $179.9 billion in the same year.

Locating Service Providers

There are many search engines and organizations dedicated to providing support in selecting the correct company for a project. Some companies provide global services but often, local directories are the best place to search.

Services are location-dependent, and it may be worth using a simple search engine. For example, searching Painters in Lethbridge will give guidance on who is available in that area.

Types of Project

There are many different types of painting projects out there, from single-wall patching jobs to external building facades. Some organizations specialize in specific types of painting, whereas others focus on specific types of projects.


In order to carry out certain types of jobs, individuals and companies may require specific qualifications or certifications. Qualifications may be nationally or regionally variable. For example, industrial painting on oil rigs requires a dedicated qualification due to the safety requirements within the industry.

What Should I Look for in a Painter?

Depending on the project you have in mind, there may be a variety of factors to consider. However, a portfolio of success stories is crucial to understanding the quality of the work available from the suppliers you are considering. A portfolio may be digital photographs or customer testimonials.

What is the Process for Ensuring a Successful Project?

There are a number of crucial steps to take in order to ensure the successful delivery of a project when hiring a specialist service provider. The first step is to select a group of providers with a good reputation in the chosen sector. The second step is to gather quotes from the list of suppliers chosen.

Following this, drawing up or signing off on contractual terms, design documentation, and project plans is important to align expectations. Giving access to the provider is then key while also supporting them in carrying out the work required.

For example, clearing the space around the target area is vital to success. Once the work is complete, it is important to review the quality against the original plan to ensure satisfaction.