Tick. Tick. Tick. Does your contract require you to paint your room before handing it over to the next tenant? Do you have a big work event, expecting a baby, and are looking for the quickest way to paint a room? Painting a room quickly doesn’t mean you should do it carelessly. Rushing the process can lead to mistakes, requiring a costly and time-consuming repaint. Whether you’re an experienced Do It Your Self (DIY)er or are painting a room by yourself for the first time, Ooh Paint offers five tips on how to paint a room fast. These recommendations will help you meet your deadline and avoid any last-minute stress.
Tip#1 PLAN AHEAD OF PAINTING DAY
While looking for the quickest way to paint, its essential to bear in mind that its not just about the actual execution but also requires proper planning, which can save you hours of labour while producing professional paint results. In most cases, the quickest way to paint a room will include the steps listed below.Here are some things you should prepare ahead of time:
- Decide on the colours: If you aren’t an interior designer, resources such as Ooh Paint Colour Whiz can aid in choosing colours for the rooms you want to paint. Regardless, if it’s a living room or dining room, bedroom or bathroom, you can select your paint according to the light and your taste. You can then try some sample swatches on your walls before you buy a full tin of that particular color.
- Parting paths with primer: Purchase a paint with a built-in primer to reduce the number of coats needed. This measure can save you time and provide excellent coverage. While not using a primer will save you time initially, you might still need a separate primer for glossy surfaces or high-moisture areas.
- Calculate the quantity: How many gallons will you need in advance, based on the size of your room which includes windows, doors, and a ceiling? To avoid running out of paint or having too much left over, you can use a paint calculator.
- Buy tools and tapes in advance: Having all your painting equipment at your disposal will save time running off to the shop or borrowing stuff from neighbours. From rollers and brushes to trays and drop cloths, a Prep Kit will ensure you have everything you need to paint. What’s more, make sure that you have a step ladder to reach high places safely, and an extension pole for rolling large sections quickly.
Tip#2 PREPARE THE ROOM
One of the best ways to paint a room fast includes a solid preparation. While having the room ready may seem more time consuming, it will save you time and energy in the long run.- Remove Furniture or Cover it with Drop Cloths: Fill all holes or cracks on the walls using Polyfilla or spackle.
- Cleanse Walls: Dust and dirt can prevent paint from adhering properly. Allow the walls to completely dry after cleaning them with a mild detergent.
- Fill Holes and Cracks: Use spackle or Polyfilla to fill any holes or cracks. Apply it with a brush or putty knife, and once dry, sand the area until smooth for an even surface."
Tip #3: TAPE. BRUSH. ROLL.
To learn how to paint a room fast like a professional, familiarize yourself to the 3 step routine of tape-brush-roll.- Apply Painter’s Tape: To guarantee straight lines, tape off the edges and trim.
- Cut in the Edges: Use a brush to cut in around the edges of the walls, including the ceiling line and corners. To learn more about cutting-in-paint, check out How to Cut in Paint.
- Roll the Large Areas: To swiftly cover wide areas, use a roller equipped with an extension pole. To avoid roller marks and distribute evenly, work by painting in a "W" or "M" pattern. You can see demonstrations on Magnolia Network (formerly known as DIY Network).
Tip #4: ENCOURAGE EFFICIENCY
To paint a room quickly and efficiently, try to implement the time-saving painting strategies listed below:- Paint in Sections: The fastest way to paint a room is to paint in sections. Always work in sections to maintain a wet edge and eliminate lap marks.
- Use Long Strokes: Paint continuous strokes to reduce visible brush strokes and roller marks.
- Cut in around the trim and ceiling first: For precision, use a high-quality brush for clean lines and a polished look.
- Rolling: Follow up with a roller, using a "W" technique. Painting with a roller brush ensures even coverage and prevents streaks.
Tip #5: CLEAN-UP BEFORE CLEARING OUT
Mastering the skill of quickly painting a room can be challenging for starters. Any method that proposes the fastest way to paint a room will always include a thorough clean-up at the end. This will avoid any unnecessary time-consuming tasks that can result from not cleaning up properly.- Speedy Clean-Up: After use, immediately wash off your tools so they don’t dry with paint on them – this will expedite future projects.
- Tidy-Up Drips and Spills: Immediately use a wet rag or sponge to blot drips.
- Store Unused Paint Properly: Seal the cans tightly in a cool dry place and wrap your brushes and rollers in plastic if you need to store them overnight. This action will prevent the paint from drying up.
