Have you ever wanted to learn how to paint your room in the most efficient manner possible? Or maybe your in-laws are coming to town for an extended stay and you want to quickly refresh the guest room! Whatever the reason, it can be such a gift to learn how to paint a room fast, especially for homeowners.
And don’t worry. Just because you’re painting a room fast doesn’t mean you have to give up the quality and smoothness of the work. There are ways to produce quality paint jobs while at the same time doing it efficiently. Let’s dig into all the details on how to paint a room fast!
Tips to Quickly Paint a Room
Get your prep work done in the days before
One of the surefire ways how to paint a room fast is to get all your prep work done in the days prior to painting. If there’s some patchwork or sanding that needs to be done, get that out of the way a couple of days ahead. Be sure to wipe down and wash your walls in good time as well. Get any furniture moved out of the way or to the center of the room. If you want to use painter’s tape (you don’t have to and we’ll go over that later), be sure to get that up. Also, be sure to put your drop cloths down to ensure no extra messes are made as well!
Choosing Your Paint: The Foundation of Efficiency
Before touching a brush, the key to speed lies in selecting the right type of paint. Opt for high-quality paints that offer excellent coverage and durability. A paint-and-primer combination can save you time by reducing the need for separate priming steps, especially if you’re painting over a similar or lighter colour. Also, consider water-based latex paints for a faster drying time compared to oil-based alternatives, allowing you to apply multiple coats in a shorter period.
Cut in with a steady hand
If you can learn how to “cut in” properly, it can truly save you a ton of time in the end. In case you aren’t aware, “cutting in” refers to painting on both sides of a corner, a lot of the time where there’s trim located, and painting into that very narrow space. Learning how to paint a room fast, is a crucial step.
If you want to avoid having to use painter’s tape and cut in properly, you’re going to want to use a tapered paintbrush. The angled bristles really help for those close corners. Also, be sure to tape off any excess paint from your brush. When you go in a second time, really be sure to avoid putting too much pressure on the brush and the bristles. This will ensure that you get those clean lines in the corners. This might take a little bit of practice, but if you want to get there, you will.
How to paint a room fast?: the ideal painting technique
You’re likely not going to become a professional painter overnight, but there are ways in which you can learn how to paint a room fast. For instance, a good portion of the speediness involved comes from your technique. One thing to think about is which hand you favour more and start from there. For instance, if you’re right-handed, paint from left to right as it will just feel more natural.
When it’s time for the roller, adopt a “W” or “N” pattern technique. This method covers more surface area more quickly and ensures an even coat without much backtracking. Dip your roller into the paint, ensuring it’s well-coated but not dripping, and apply in said pattern, backfilling the spaces as you go. This technique reduces the time spent reloading your roller and helps avoid the necessity of a second coat.
Also, once you have your roller ready, roll from the baseboard up to the ceiling. Then roll straight back down in the same way in which you previously painted. This will help to ensure even coats with less mess and splotching along the way. Continue this technique as you make your way across each wall.
Opt for Quick-Drying Solutions
In the fast lane of room painting, every minute counts. Choosing a quick-dry paint formula can significantly reduce waiting times between coats. While these paints do dry rapidly, they don’t compromise on quality or durability. Be mindful of ventilation; it not only safeguards your health but also aids in the quicker drying of paint.
Order matters
Lastly, this might be something you’ve been wondering about when it comes to how to paint a room fast. Professional painters usually tend to follow a certain order. For most, they tend to paint the trim first, then the ceiling and then the walls last. It just works out to be faster in that order. Plus, you don’t need super precision to paint room trims. Also, you don’t need to worry that much if the paint from the trim or doors gets on your walls because that’s your last step! You’ll cover up any messes or little splashes of paint that end up on the walls when you get to the last step.
So, How Long Does Painting a Room Really Take?
When considering your next room painting project, you’re most likely pondering over one primary question: How long does it take to paint a room? The prospect of giving up precious time can often make room painting projects seem more daunting than it actually need to be.
The timing of a paint job depends on a myriad of factors: the size of the room, the type and texture of the walls, the type of paint used, and even your experience level. Here, we’ll give you a general idea of these factors:
1. Prep Time
As the wise saying goes, “Well begun is half done.” Beginning with a well-prepared painting scene can often be the swift step that saves time down the road. Under normal circumstances, preparing your room for painting—removing or covering furniture, applying painter’s tape, and preparing your tools and paint—can take anywhere from one to two hours. If wall repairs are needed, you might need to set aside a few additional hours or even a day for patching, sanding, and priming.
2. Primer and Paint Drying Time
to factor in drying time for the primer. Typically, primer takes around 1-2 hours to dry.
For the main event, the paint itself, drying times can vary depending on the type and brand of paint you choose. Most latex paints take about one hour to dry to the touch, but you should wait a minimum of two hours, possibly even four, before applying a second coat.
3. Actual Painting Time
For an average room (about 150-200 square feet), an experienced DIY painter could manage one coat of paint within 2-3 hours using a roller. If cutting in with a brush is required around edges, corners, and details, this could add an additional hour or two.
4. Clean Up
Depending on the state of your work area post-paint, clean-up time can range from 30 minutes to an hour. This phase might be much easier and quicker if plastic sheets or drop cloths were used to protect furniture and flooring.
On average, for an ordinary room, and factoring in prep and clean-up, the whole process might take 6-8 hours, spread across a couple of days due to drying times. If multiple coats are required, additional days might be needed. It’s essential to keep these factors in mind while planning your endeavor, so you can schedule your time efficiently, minimizing interruptions to your regular routine or business operations.
Don’t forget to check out our Pinterest page for all sorts of interior painting inspiration!
Conclusion: Painting with Purpose and Speed
Painting a room quickly doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or your personal well-being in the process. With the right preparation, tools, technique, and paint choice, your next painting project can be a breeze – completing with satisfaction and perhaps even enjoyment.
Transcending the fear of time-consuming tasks begins with knowledge and is mastered with preparation. You’re not just painting walls; you’re crafting experiences, setting moods, and defining spaces. This guide isn’t just about speeding through a project; it’s about empowering you to tackle tasks with confidence, knowledge, and efficiency.
Stay vibrant, stay efficient, and remember, in the world of DIY and business enhancements, time saved is energy and opportunity gained.
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How to Paint a Room Fast? If the work involved sounds like it involves too much time and energy to do yourself, call 416.494.9095 or email Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com for a FREE quote or visit our website. And don’t forget to follow us on all our social channels below!
