Should I Buy the Paint or Let the Painter Handle It?

The Truth: Buying Your Own Paint Doesn’t Always Save You Money

Sure, walking into your local hardware store and loading up on buckets might feel cheaper. You see the price tag. You control the budget. You think you’ve outsmarted the system.

But here’s what most people don’t realize:

• Pros get paint at better rates than the general public. Way better.
• They know what type of paint works best on specific surfaces (and in specific climates).
• They can tell when a paint color will dry differently on your wall than it looked on that tiny paper swatch.

They’ve tested hundreds of brands, sheens, and formulations—and they already know what holds up and what doesn’t.

Let the Painter Do What They’re Good At

Let’s keep it real: when a painter includes materials in their quote, it’s not because they want to upsell you on a can of beige. It’s because they want control over the result—and that means using the products they trust.

Think about it. If the job turns out streaky, patchy, or the paint fails in 6 months… guess who you’re calling to fix it?

(Hint: not the guy who sold you the paint at aisle 14.)

Painters don’t want to gamble their reputation on product they didn’t choose.

But What If You’re Picky About Color or Brand?

Totally fair.

If you’ve got a specific brand or color in mind, good painters will work with you. They’ll either include it in the quote or guide you through how to get it done right. Some may even prefer to pick it up themselves once you've decided, just to avoid any surprises.

Bottom line: you don’t need to micromanage the paint cans. What you do need is a painter who communicates well and stands behind their work—paint and all.

Final Thought

You’re hiring a professional because you want the job done right. So trust them to bring the right tools, the right crew—and yes, the right paint.

If you're working with someone who says, "Sure, just grab whatever paint you want and we’ll make it work,"—you might want to rethink who you're hiring.

Check if you are eligible for painting offers here: Check for Painting Deals and fill out a short form to get connected with vetted pros who bring the paint, the skill, and the peace of mind.