Many people think that renovating a house by repainting always requires hiring a professional. In reality, if you know the proper steps, homeowners can do it themselves without much difficulty and save tens of thousands of baht, especially for medium-sized homes where labor costs may be several times higher than the cost of paint. This article covers every step in one place, from preparing the walls, filling cracks, and applying primer to techniques for achieving a beautiful finish and choosing shades that suit Thai-style homes, along with recommendations for effective products.
Renovating and Repainting Your Home Yourself: How Worthwhile Is It Compared with Hiring a Professional?
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a House Painter?
House-painting labor costs in Thailand generally range from 15–35 baht per square meter, depending on the area and number of floors. A 150-square-meter house will have labor costs of approximately 8,000–15,000 baht, excluding the cost of paint and materials.
Note: The prices above are estimates and may vary depending on the area, site conditions, and labor rates in each location.
How Much Can You Save by Doing It Yourself, and What Types of Homes Are Suitable?
If you paint the house yourself, you can save the entire labor cost, leaving only the cost of paint and equipment, which is much lower. This is suitable for one- or two-story homes that are not excessively tall, interior wall work that does not require climbing scaffolding, or situations where you want to save money while still achieving good paint quality.
Equipment to Prepare Before Painting Your Home
Essential Equipment
- Paint roller (7- or 9-inch size, suitable for smooth walls)
- Small paintbrush (for corners, edges, and joints)
- Paint mixing tray
- Beger Fiber MeshFiberglass mesh used to reinforce materials for covering the edges of windows and doors
- Plastic sheeting for covering floors and furniture
- 80–120 grit sandpaper for sanding walls
Additional Equipment to Help Speed Up the Work
- Roller extension pole, allowing you to paint higher areas without climbing a ladder
- Paint sprayer (Spray gun), suitable for large areas but requiring practice beforehand
Preparing Walls Before Painting: The Step People Often Skip but Is Most Important
Preparing the walls properly is the key to a long-lasting paint job. If this step is skipped, the paint may not adhere properly, peel, or bubble within just a few years.
Inspecting and Repairing Cracks
Before painting, always inspect the walls for cracks, joints, or gaps of various sizes so that you can choose the appropriate filling material.
Recommended crack-filling products from Beger: Choose the right one for the type of crack.
- Beger Acrylic Sealant F-001White acrylic, suitable for 2–10 mm cracks on cement walls, tiles, and wood
- Beger Acrylic SealHighly flexible, fast-drying acrylic for general cracks and door and window frame edges. Can be painted over without yellowing
- Beger PU SealHigh-quality polyurethane with over 800% flexibility, suitable for joints subject to movement, such as roof and metal sheet joints
- Beger Silicone SealSilicone sealant suitable for glass joints, bathrooms, and shower enclosures. Low VOCs and low odor
- Beger Premium Silicone SealPremium-grade, non-acidic silicone with 500% flexibility, suitable for metalwork, bathtubs, gutters, and roofs
Cleaning and Sanding the Wall
After filling the cracks and allowing them to dry completely, sand the wall with 80–120 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface and improve paint adhesion. Then brush off the dust and wipe with a damp cloth before applying primer
Applying Primer: Is It Necessary, and Which Type Should You Choose?
The answer is: Always apply primerEspecially for old or damp walls, primer improves the adhesion of the topcoat, reduces absorption, and prevents alkaline stains from coming through and discoloring the surface paint
Recommended Beger primers for different wall conditions:
- Beger Super Quick Primer B-2100Resists 40% moisture and can be topcoated two days after plastering. Suitable for renovation projects that need to be completed quickly
- Beger Pro Quick Primer B-1900Oil-based formula with ultra-fine 0.01-micron molecules that penetrate deeply. Suitable for old, new, and fresh cement, with no thinner required
- Beger Rain Quick Primer B-2900Water-based formula that provides 70% protection against external moisture through French resin technology. The paint film allows the wall to breathe, making it suitable for exterior walls directly exposed to rain
- Beger Water Block Primer B-3100Ultra-premium grade that blocks up to 75% of moisture and prevents mold, algae, and alkaline stains. Suitable for walls with persistent moisture problems
How to Paint a House Yourself, Step by Step
How Interior Wall Painting Differs from Exterior Wall Painting
Interior walls are not directly exposed to sunlight and rain, so the focus is on choosing colors you like and easy cleaning. Exterior walls require paint that is waterproof, resistant to UV rays, and flexible enough to accommodate the expansion and contraction of concrete in Thailand’s hot, humid climate.
Techniques for Applying Paint Smoothly and Evenly Without Brush Marks
- Always paint in the same direction, starting from top to bottom.
- Use a roller for large areas and a brush for corners and edges.
- Mix no more than 5–10% water into water-based paint to ensure an even flow.
- Wait until the first coat has dried completely (at least 2–4 hours) before applying the second coat.
How Many Coats of Paint Are Needed for a Beautiful, Durable Finish?
The general standard is 1 coat of primer + 2 coats of topcoat. Surfaces requiring high durability or a color change from dark to light (or vice versa) may require 3 coats of topcoat. Applying too few coats can result in thin paint, premature yellowing, and an uneven color.
How to Choose House Paint for Good Value and Long-Lasting Durability
Comparing Water-Based and Oil-Based House Paint
Before choosing paint, it is important to understand that each type is suitable for different applications.
|
Category |
Water-Based Paint |
Oil-Based Paint |
| Odor | Mild odor, evaporates quickly, and causes relatively little disruption to living spaces | Has a fairly strong odor and should be used in areas with good ventilation |
| Durability | Highly flexible, helping reduce the likelihood of cracking in the paint film | Strong paint film that is resistant to scratches, but may become brittle over extended use |
| Drying Time | Approximately 1–2 hours | Approximately 6–24 hours |
| Washable | Can be cleaned with clean water | Turpentine or thinner must be used for cleaning |
| Application characteristics | Suitable for cement surfaces both indoors and outdoors | Suitable for wood, metal, and certain types of flooring |
| Price | Moderate to high, but cost-effective in the long term | Moderate |
| Environment | Contains low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it more environmentally friendly | Contains higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) |
Summary: For general home renovation work, water-based paint is more suitable for walls or interior work, while oil-based paint should be used for metal or woodwork that requires extra durability.
Exterior Paint vs. Interior Paint: What’s the Difference?
Although both are called “house paint,” exterior and interior paints are designed for different types of applications.
- Exterior paintwas developed to withstand sunlight, rain, and moisture, helping reduce problems such as fading, peeling, and mold stains that may occur due to weather conditions.
- Interior paintfocuses on the safety of residents, has a mild odor, is easy to clean, and is suitable for indoor environments that are not directly exposed to sunlight or rain.
Therefore,interior paint should not be used on exterior walls.Because the color may fade, deteriorate, or peel off sooner than usual. As forUsing exterior paint indoorsAlthough it can be done in some cases, it is generally unnecessary and may not be as suitable for household use as paint specifically designed for interior spaces.
Simply put:Exterior paint emphasizes “weather resistance,” while interior paint emphasizes “suitability for living spaces.” Choosing the right type will help the paint remain beautiful and durable, offering better value in the long term.
Choose a color suitable for the renovation project for beautiful, durable results.
Once you have selected the appropriate type of paint, the next step is to choose a product that meets the requirements of your renovation project, whether it involves painting exterior walls, interior walls, or wood and metal surfaces. You should select paint specifically designed for that application to achieve both aesthetic appeal and long-term durability. Users can also compare product features and choose a color shade that complements their home’s style.Colors on the Beger websiteBefore deciding whether to use it in practice.
Techniques for choosing color shades that make your home look good and stay timeless
Principles of Matching House Colors60-30-10
- 60%Primary colors are usually the wall color or the main color of the house. Neutral tones such as white, cream, beige, or light gray should be chosen.
- 30%Secondary color, used for doors, door frames, columns, or accent walls, should be slightly darker or warmer than the primary color.
- 10%Accent colors can be used for prominent features of the house, such as window frames, fences, or decorative elements. Contrasting colors may be chosen.
Popular Color Palettes for Thai Homes in 2026
For 2026, the popular color tones in Thai homes reflect both tranquility and naturalness, and are also colors that areFalling Heritage (COLOR LEGACY) Can also get it.
1. Resilient Roots : An unshakable foundation
Colors that Carry Memory into Tomorrow
Colors inspired by nature serve as the foundation of the word “home”—a place of emotional refuge that nurtures people’s way of life across generations.
2. Urban Legacy: Structures That Endure
Colors that Shape the City’s Soul สีสันที่สะท้อนจิตวิญญาณของเมือง ผ่านเส้นสายและสถาปัตยกรรมร่วมสมัย
3. Future Glow: Open and Radiant
The Glow of What’s Next โทนสีแห่งอนาคตที่ไม่ได้เย็นชา แต่เต็มไปด้วยความหวังและความเป็นไปได้ใหม่ๆ
4. Human Horizon: Colors That Stay with Us
A new horizon for living that blends the past, the city, and the future together. These colors emphasize livability, creating a feeling of warmth, balance, and friendliness for every generation, from children and adults to the elderly.
Common Problems When Painting Yourself and How to Fix Them
- Blistering or Peeling Paint
Caused by moisture in the wall or incomplete primer coverage. Wait until the wall is completely dry before painting, and choose a moisture-resistant primer such asBeger Water Block Primer B-3100which blocks up to 75% of moisture. -
Fading or Yellowing Quickly
This commonly occurs with exterior paint that does not have sufficient UV Protection or has been applied too thinly. Choose paint with a UV protection system and apply at least 2 coats of finish paint. -
Uneven Application
This problem commonly occurs when paint is applied too quickly before the previous coat has dried, or when the roller does not hold and distribute paint evenly. It is recommended to wait until each coat has dried completely.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Home Painting Renovation
Q1: How many days does it take to renovate a home by painting it yourself?
A1: For a medium-sized single-story house (approximately 120–150 sq. m.), painting it yourself with the help of 2–3 people usually takes 2–4 days: the first day for wall preparation, the second day for applying primer, and the third and fourth days for applying 2 coats of finish paint. The time required depends on the weather and the size of the area.
Q2: Can I paint during the rainy season?
A2: Yes, but caution is required. Paint during periods when there is no rain, and wait until the walls are slightly dry before painting. Humidity above 85% will cause the paint to dry slowly and may lead to blistering. For exterior walls, Beger Rain Quick Primer B-2900 is recommended, as it is designed to allow the paint film to breathe and provides higher-than-usual moisture resistance.
Q3: Do I need to remove the old paint before applying new paint?
A3: Not always. If the old paint is still well adhered and not peeling, simply sand the surface to roughen it, apply primer, and paint over it. However, if the old paint is peeling or has extensive blistering, it should be scraped off completely first. If new paint is applied over loose old paint, the new paint will soon peel off as well.
Q4: Does house paint expire? How long can it be stored?
A4: Unopened water-based paint can be stored for 2–3 years in a shaded place away from sunlight, orSee the side of the product containerAfter opening, it should be used up within 1 year. The paint is spoiled if it develops a sour smell, thick sediment that cannot be mixed at the bottom of the can, or mold appears inside the can.
Q5: Can water-based paint and oil-based paint be applied over each other?
A5: Water-based paint can be applied over oil-based paint, but the surface must be sanded to create a rough texture and primed first. Oil-based paint can also be applied over water-based paint, but it takes longer to dry and has a stronger odor. If you are unsure what type the existing paint is, test it by wiping the wall with a cloth soaked in alcohol. If paint comes off on the cloth = water-based paint; if it does not = oil-based paint.
Painting Your Own Home During a RenovationIt is not as complicated as many people worry it will be. The key is not to rush through any step, whether it is properly filling cracks, sanding the walls and applying primer to a proper standard, or choosing paint that suits the surface and the home’s environment. These are what make the difference between work that looks good and lasts a long time and work that peels within just a few years. Once you understand the principles, the process will flow naturally, starting with preparing the walls, choosing filler and primer suitable for the home’s humidity conditions, and ending withChoosing the Right Shadeone that remains popular in 2026 and complements every Thai home style.
