Many people think that renovating a house with a new coat of paint always requires hiring a professional, but the truth is that if you know the correct steps, homeowners can do it themselves without much difficulty and save tens of thousands of baht, especially for medium-sized houses where labor costs can be several times higher than the cost of paint. This article compiles all the steps in one place, from preparing the walls, filling cracks, applying primer, to techniques for painting beautifully and choosing colors that match Thai-style homes, along with recommendations for actual products that have proven effective.
DIY house painting: How cost-effective is it compared to hiring a professional?
How much does it cost to hire a painter for house painting?
The average labor cost for painters in Thailand is between 15–35 baht per square meter, depending on the area and number of floors. A 150 sq.m. house will have labor costs of approximately 8,000–15,000 baht, excluding paint and materials.
Note: The prices mentioned are approximate and may vary based on the size of the area, work conditions, and labor costs in each area.
How much can you save by doing it yourself, and which types of houses are suitable?
If you do it yourself, you can save all the labor costs, leaving only the costs for paint and equipment, which are much cheaper. This is suitable for single or two-story houses that are not too high, interior wall work that does not require scaffolding, or in cases where you want to save on budget but still want good quality paint.
Equipment to prepare before painting the house
Essential equipment that cannot be missed
- Paint roller (7 or 9 inches, suitable for smooth walls)
- Small paintbrush (for corners, edges, and joints)
- Paint mixing tray
- Beger Fiber Mesh Fiberglass mesh used to reinforce materials for sealing window and door edges
- Plastic sheets to cover floors and furniture
- Sandpaper 80–120 grit for wall sanding
Additional equipment to speed up the work
- Extension pole for the roller, allowing you to paint higher without climbing a ladder
- Spray gun, suitable for large areas, but requires skill practice first
Preparing the walls before painting: The step that people often skip but is the most important
Preparing the walls properly is the heart of long-lasting painting. If this step is skipped, the paint will not adhere, peel, or bubble within just a few years.
Check and Repair Cracks
Before painting every time, inspect the walls for any cracks, joints, or gaps to choose the appropriate filler material.
Recommended crack fillers from BEGER: Choose according to the type of crack.
- Beger Acrylic Sealant F-001 White acrylic, suitable for cracks sized 2–10 mm on plaster, tiles, and wood.
- Beger Acrylic Seal High-flexibility acrylic, quick-drying, for general cracks and door-window frame edges, can be painted over without yellowing.
- Beger PU Seal High-quality polyurethane, flexible over 800%, suitable for moving joints such as roof joints and metal sheets.
- Beger Silicone Seal Silicone sealant, suitable for glass joints, bathrooms, shower partitions, Low VOCs, non-pungent smell.
- Beger Premium Silicone Seal Premium-grade silicone, non-acidic, 500% flexible, suitable for metal work, bathtubs, gutters, and roofs.
Clean and Sand the Walls
After filling the cracks and allowing them to dry completely, sand the walls with 80–120 grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface for better paint adhesion. Then dust off and wipe with a damp cloth before applying the primer.
Should you apply primer, and which type to choose?
The answer is: Always apply it. Especially for old walls or walls with moisture, primer helps the topcoat adhere better, reduces absorption, and prevents stains from bleeding through the topcoat.
Recommended BEGER primers based on wall conditions:
- Beger Super Quick Primer B-2100 Moisture resistant up to 40%, can be painted over after 2 days of application, suitable for renovation work that needs to be completed quickly.
- Beger Pro Quick Primer B-1900 Oil-based formula with special 0.01-micron small molecules, deeply penetrating, suitable for old plaster, new plaster, and fresh plaster, no thinner needed.
- Beger Rain Quick Primer B-2900 Moisture-resistant exterior formula up to 70% with resin technology from France, breathable color film, suitable for exterior walls exposed to rain directly.
- Beger Water Block Primer B-3100 Ultra-premium grade, blocks moisture up to 75%, prevents mold, algae, and stain, suitable for walls with accumulated moisture problems.
How to Paint Your House Yourself, Step by Step
Painting interior walls differs from exterior walls in what way?
The interior walls are areas that do not receive direct sunlight and rain, so the focus is on colors that one prefers and are easy to clean. The exterior walls require colors that are waterproof, UV-resistant, and flexible to accommodate the expansion and contraction of concrete in Thailand’s hot and humid climate.
Techniques for painting to achieve a smooth and even finish without brush marks
- Always paint in the same direction, starting from top to bottom
- Use rollers for large areas and brushes for corners and edges
- Mix water into water-based paint no more than 5–10% to ensure a smooth flow of paint
- Wait for the first coat of paint to dry completely (at least 2–4 hours) before applying the second coat
How many coats of paint are needed for beauty and durability
The general standard is 1 coat of primer + 2 coats of finish paint. For work that requires high durability or changing from dark to light colors (or vice versa), 3 coats of finish paint may be necessary. Applying too few coats can result in thin paint, quick yellowing, and uneven color.
How to choose house paint for value and longevity
Comparing house paints between water-based and oil-based
Before purchasing paint, it is important to understand that each type of paint is suitable for different applications
|
Topics |
Water-based paint |
Oil-based paint |
| Odor | Mild odor, evaporates quickly, does not disturb living conditions much | Has a rather strong odor, should be used in well-ventilated areas |
| Durability | Highly flexible, helps reduce the chance of cracking in the paint film | Strong paint film, resistant to scratching, but may become brittle with prolonged use |
| Drying time | Approximately 1–2 hours | Approximately 6–24 hours |
| Cleaning | Can be cleaned with clean water | Requires turpentine or thinner for cleaning |
| Usage characteristics | Suitable for cement surfaces both indoors and outdoors | Suitable for wood, metal surfaces, and certain types of flooring |
| Price | Medium to high, but worth it in the long run | Medium |
| Environment | Has low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), more environmentally friendly | Has higher volatile organic compounds (VOCs) |
Summary: For general home renovation, water-based paint is more suitable for walls or interior work, while oil-based paint is chosen for metal or wood that requires extra strength
Exterior paint vs interior paint, what’s the difference
Even though they are both called ” house paint,” exterior and interior paints are designed for different types of use
- Exterior paint has been developed to withstand sun, rain, and humidity well, helping to reduce problems of fading, peeling, and mold stains that may occur due to weather conditions.
- Interior paint focuses on safety for residents, has a mild scent, is easy to clean, and is suitable for indoor environments that do not face direct sunlight or rain.
Therefore interior paint should not be used for exterior applications because it may fade, deteriorate, or peel off faster than usual. As for using exterior paint indoors while it can be done in some cases, it is generally unnecessary and may not be suitable for indoor use as much as paint specifically designed for interior spaces.
In summary: exterior paint emphasizes “weather resistance,” while interior paint emphasizes “suitability for living.” Choosing the right type will help the paint remain beautiful and durable, providing better value in the long run.
Choose paint suitable for renovation work for beautiful and durable results.
Once you have selected the appropriate type of paint, the next step is to choose products that meet the requirements of your renovation work, whether it is for exterior walls, interior walls, or wooden and metal surfaces. You should choose paint specifically designed for that use to achieve both beauty and durability in the long term. Users can compare product features and select color shades that match their home style as well. Paint on the Beger website before deciding to use it in practice.
Techniques for choosing color shades to make your home look good and not easily boring.
Principles of color matching for homes: 60-30-10
- 60% Main color is usually the wall color or the primary color of the house. It should be a neutral tone, such as white, cream, beige, or light gray.
- 30% Secondary color is used for doors, frames, columns, or accent walls. It should be slightly darker or warmer than the main color.
- 10% Accent color is used for focal points of the house, such as window frames, fences, or decorative elements. You may choose contrasting colors.
Color Trends for Thai Homes in 2026
For 2026, the color tones that are popular in Thai homes reflect both tranquility and nature, and they are also colors that are a COLOR LEGACY as well.
1. Resilient Roots: Unshakeable Foundations
Colors that Carry Memory into Tomorrow, shades inspired by nature serve as the foundation of the word “home,” a refuge for the heart and nurturing the lives of people through all eras.
2. Urban Legacy: Enduring Structures
Colors that Shape the City’s Soul, hues that reflect the spirit of the city through lines and contemporary architecture.
3. Future Glow: Open and Radiant
The Glow of What’s Next, the tones of the future that are not cold but filled with hope and new possibilities.
4. Human Horizon: Colors That Stay With Us
A new horizon of living that integrates the past, the city, and the future together, these colors emphasize real livability, providing warmth, balance, and friendliness for all generations, from children to adults to the elderly.
Common Problems When Painting Yourself and Solutions
- Paint Bubbling or Peeling
This occurs due to moisture in the walls or uneven primer application. The solution is to wait for the walls to dry completely before painting and choose a primer that is moisture-resistant, such as Beger Water Block Primer B-3100 with a moisture-blocking capability of up to 75%. -
Fading or Yellowing Quickly
This often happens with exterior paint that lacks sufficient UV protection or is applied too thinly. It is advisable to choose paint with UV protection and apply at least two coats. -
Uneven Appearance After Painting
This issue often arises from painting too soon before the previous coat has dried or from using a roller that does not distribute paint evenly. It is recommended to wait for each coat to dry completely.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about House Painting Renovation
Q1: How many days does it take to paint a house by yourself?
A1: A medium-sized single-story house (about 120–150 sq.m.) usually takes 2–4 days if painted by 2–3 people, divided into the first day for wall preparation, the second day for priming, and the third to fourth days for two coats of paint, depending on weather conditions and area size.
Q2: Can I paint during the rainy season?
A2: Yes, but caution is needed. It should be done when there is no rain, and the walls should be allowed to dry slightly first. Humidity above 85% will slow down drying and may cause bubbling. For exterior walls, it is recommended to use Beger Rain Quick Primer B-2900, which is designed to allow the paint film to breathe and withstand moisture better than usual.
Q3: Do I need to strip the old paint before applying a new coat?
A3: Not always necessary. If the old paint is well-adhered and not peeling, simply roughen the surface, apply primer, and paint over it. However, if the old paint is peeling or bubbling extensively, it should be completely scraped off first, as applying new paint over loose old paint will lead to peeling soon after.
Q4: Does house paint expire, and how long can it be stored?
A4: Unopened water-based paint can be stored for 2–3 years in a cool place away from sunlight or check the product label Once opened, it should be used within 1 year. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell, thick sediment at the bottom of the can that won’t mix, or mold growth inside the can.
Q5: Can water-based paint be applied over oil-based paint?
A5: Water-based paint can be applied over oil-based paint, but the surface must be roughened and primed first. Oil-based paint can also be applied over water-based paint, but it dries slower and has a stronger odor. If unsure about the type of the original paint, it is recommended to test by wiping the wall with an alcohol-soaked cloth; if paint comes off on the cloth = water-based, if not = oil-based.
DIY house painting renovation is not as complicated as many people worry. The key is not to rush through the steps, whether it’s filling cracks properly, sanding the walls, and applying primer to standard, to choosing colors that match the surface and the home’s environment. These are the differences between a job that looks good and lasts long versus one that peels within a few years. Once you understand the principles, the workflow will flow naturally, starting with preparing the walls, selecting suitable filler and primer for the home’s humidity, and finishing with choosing the right shades that remain popular in 2026 and match all styles of Thai homes.
