Why the Cheapest Paint Job Is Almost Always the Most Expensive
When it comes time to paint, one question usually comes first: “How much is it going to cost?”
That’s fair. Painting is an investment. But focusing only on the lowest number often leads to the most frustration — and the highest long-term cost.
We see it every year across Western Colorado:
Projects that started “cheap” end up costing more in repairs, repainting, and stress than if they’d been done right the first time.
Here’s why.
Cheap Paint Jobs Cut Corners You Can’t See (At First)
When a bid comes in significantly lower than the rest, something has to give.
Usually, it’s:
Proper surface prep
Quality materials
Skilled labor
Time spent doing the job right
You might not notice it immediately. Fresh paint can look decent for a few months. But underneath that surface, shortcuts are already working against you.
Skipped sanding.
Poor patching.
Dirty surfaces.
Thin coats.
That’s when problems start to show — often much sooner than expected.
Repainting Costs More Than Doing It Right Once
The biggest hidden cost of a cheap paint job is doing it again.
We regularly get calls from clients who say:
“We just painted a couple of years ago, but it’s already peeling.”
Or:
“The finish never looked right, and now it’s worse.”
Repainting means:
Paying for labor again
Buying more materials
Reworking prep that should have been done initially
Living through the disruption twice
That “good deal” quickly becomes the most expensive option.
Cheap Work Fails Faster in Colorado Weather
Colorado is tough on paint.
Between intense sun, wind, snow, and temperature swings, exterior finishes need proper prep and the right products to last.
Low-cost painters often use:
Lower-grade paints
Minimal prep
Faster application methods
The result?
Fading, peeling, cracking, and premature failure.
At XL Painting, we use Sherwin-Williams products designed for Colorado conditions and pair them with thorough prep so your paint job holds up year after year — not just one season.
Time, Stress, and Callbacks Have a Cost Too
Cheap paint jobs don’t just cost money — they cost time and peace of mind.
Missed days waiting for crews.
Having to point out mistakes.
Scheduling touch-ups.
Calling again when something fails.
For homeowners, that’s stress.
For business owners and property managers, that’s lost time and operational disruption.
A professional paint job should feel simple:
Clear communication.
Reliable scheduling.
One smooth project from start to finish.
Quality Work Protects Your Property’s Value
Paint isn’t just cosmetic — it protects surfaces.
Properly applied paint helps prevent:
Moisture damage
Wood rot
Premature wear
A rushed or poorly prepped job can actually shorten the life of siding, trim, drywall, and other surfaces — creating repair costs that go far beyond repainting.
Quality work protects your investment.
Why XL Painting Costs What It Costs
Our pricing reflects:
Skilled, experienced crews
Proper prep on every job
High-quality materials
Clean, organized job sites
Reliable scheduling and communication
What our clients get in return is simple:
A paint job they don’t have to think about again for a long time.
No callbacks.
No regrets.
No wondering if it was done right.
The Smart Choice Is the One That Lasts
If you’re comparing bids right now, ask yourself this:
Do you want the lowest price today —
or the lowest cost over time?
Hiring a professional painter isn’t about spending more.
It’s about spending once.
At XL Painting, we deliver clean, professional work done right — with Colorado-tough durability.
Contact us today for a free estimate and let’s make sure your next paint job is the last one you need for years to come.
