Why Cheap Paint Jobs End Up Costing More in the Long Run

We’ve all heard the saying: “You get what you pay for.” And when it comes to painting your home, this couldn’t be more true. Sure, the guy offering to paint your entire living room for $200 might sound like a steal, but before you jump at the “bargain,” let’s talk about why cheap paint jobs usually end up costing way more than you’d expect. The cheap way is usually not the best way.

1. Low-Quality Paint = More Coats, More Money

Ever seen a paint job that looks streaky, patchy, or just plain bad? That’s what happens when painters use cheap, low-quality paint. Bargain painters often cut costs by using the cheapest paint they can find, which means you’ll likely need more coats just to get decent coverage.

And guess who gets stuck paying for the extra paint? You.

Even worse, cheap paint wears out faster, meaning you’ll be calling another painter (hopefully a better one) to fix it way sooner than you planned.

2. No Prep Work = Disaster Waiting to Happen

Proper prep work—cleaning surfaces, patching holes, sanding, and priming—is everything when it comes to a smooth, long-lasting paint job. But budget painters? They’re all about speed. They’ll slap some paint over dust, grease, and imperfections, leading to:
✅ Peeling
✅ Uneven finishes
✅ Paint that won’t stick

A year later, your walls will look worse than before—and now you’ll need to pay for a real professional to come in and do it right.

3. Hidden Costs Add Up Fast

A super cheap estimate might look great at first, but once the job starts, suddenly there are “unexpected expenses” popping up everywhere. Need an extra coat? That’s extra. Want high-quality paint? Extra. Didn’t realize they don’t include cleanup? Extra.

Before you know it, your “cheap” paint job is just as expensive as hiring a real professional from the start—except you’re stuck with a bad finish.

4. Inexperienced Painters Can Ruin Your Home

Not to be dramatic, but bad painters can actually cause damage. I’m talking:
❌ Paint drips all over your floors and furniture
❌ Sloppy edges and missed spots
❌ Crooked lines that make your walls look like an optical illusion

Fixing these mistakes costs time and money—and sometimes, the only solution is to start over completely. Ouch.

5. A Cheap Paint Job Hurts Your Home’s Value

Thinking about selling your home? A bad paint job is one of the first things buyers notice. Uneven coverage, peeling paint, or the wrong color choices can turn people away or lower your home’s value.

A professional paint job, on the other hand, makes your home look fresh, modern, and well-maintained—boosting curb appeal and resale value.

The Bottom Line: Quality Over Short-Term Savings

Yes, a professional painter might cost more upfront, but their work will last longer, look better, and save you money in the long run. You won’t have to repaint every year, fix sloppy mistakes, or deal with peeling paint.

So, before you go for the lowest bidder, ask yourself:

👉 Will this paint job still look good in 5 years?
👉 Is this painter cutting corners to offer such a low price?
👉 Am I willing to pay again to fix it if it goes wrong?

If you haven't already check out this article about  Winter Safety.

At PTG Painting, we do things right the first time—no shortcuts, no hidden fees, just high-quality work that lasts. If you’re ready to invest in a paint job that actually saves you money, let’s talk!