It all depends on your situation. If i had a buddy at a paint shop then F it. I would let him do it. But i dont have a buddy that paints. But i do have a comressor. Paint is $25 a can. Primer, color, metal flake, clear and you at a $100. Gun is $40. So for me it was cheaper. But my next bike, its going to a shop. I want it to look professional!