So, you've finally decided to paint that room in your home that’s been dying for a refresh? Painting might seem straightforward, but there are a couple of key factors you should take into account to ensure the best use of your time and resources.
Whether you plan to spruce up a living room, kitchen or bedroom, few things bring a space to life quite like a fresh lick of paint – if it's applied well. To help you achieve just that, we’ve created a step-by-step guide to teach you how to paint a room like a pro.
Below, paint experts share the tools and time required for a successful project. We also asked them to break down the best painting techniques as well as factors to consider before your brush or roller even touches the wall.
Your essential supplies checklist
Chuck Reger of Five Star Painting says there are a few essential supplies you should have at the ready before you paint a room:
- Drop cloths
- Spackle
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Painter’s tape
- Paint brushes
- Paint rollers
How much time you should factor in
Chuck explains that a standard room normally takes one to two days from prep to final touch-ups. The exact time depends on the condition of the walls, drying time (consider ventilation and humidity), the level of detail of your paint job and the size of the room.
Kenneth Michaud, owner and founder of Total Quality Painting adds that in most cases, the steps you’ll need to take to paint a room generally take between two and four hours each. That said, you don’t want to rush the process for optimal results.
What to Read Next
If the room you’re painting is smaller, doesn’t require much preparation, is in good condition, and doesn’t have much trim, you can generally expect the process to take less time than if you’re painting a larger room with a complex layout or a lot of features to manoeuvre around.
A few rules of thumb to follow
• Preparation is key
Prepping is important. Neglect it, and you'll likely end up with an unsatisfactory paint job. 'Most of the success comes from preparation, so spending time on cleaning, repairing, and priming will make the painting itself faster and far more effective,' says Chuck.
• Check for stains
You might be eager to start painting as soon as possible, but it is best practice to check for any stains or extensive peeling on the walls and ceilings first.
'If you see a good amount of paint peeling or any type of paint failure, yellow water-humidity stains or black mould, it is best to consult a paint professional to assess the reason for the problem and how best to deal with it,' says Juliano Da Cruz, painter at paint_LAB Painting.
• Primer may be necessary
Knowing what colour you’re painting over (if any) is just as important as knowing the shade you’re using to paint. 'Dark colours to light will need to be primed,' says Chuck.
How to paint a room professionally, step by step
Step 1: Clear and clean the room
You should not paint your room without preparing, cleaning and clearing it. 'Move furniture to the centre of the room, cover all exposed flooring with waterproof material and plastic over furniture and fixtures,' says Kenneth. Essentially, you'll want to protect or remove any furniture or decorations that could potentially be damaged by your paint or primer.
Step 2: Make repairs and fill gaps
Inspect your room for any repairs or spackling you might have to make on the walls, ceilings or trim. 'We recommend Bondo glazing putty for wood holes, quick-dry caulking for gaps and spackle for small dents or holes in the walls,' says Kenneth.
Step 3: Sand and wipe down your room
'Start by sanding repairs you made until smooth and even,' Kenneth advises. 'Use a pole sander with 120-180 grit to lightly sand your walls, and a sanding block 180-220 grit to your trim and doors.' Then move on to the rest of the surfaces you'd like to paint. When you're done, don’t forget to wipe down the areas after sanding.
Step 4: Prime the walls
Priming is optional, but professionals rarely skip this step. 'If you are painting ceilings and walls, we highly recommend a high-build primer,' Kenneth notes. 'This will also fill little pin holes and create a smooth, even surface for your paint.'
Step 5: Start painting
Now that your surfaces are cleaned, repaired and sanded, you can start applying the paint. Kenneth recommends using two coats before you reassess and reapply any extra coats.
Step 6: Let your paint dry fully, then clean up
Once your paint has sufficiently dried, you can begin cleaning up, putting your furniture back, and taking off any coverings you may have put up. Kenneth notes that this is also the time to remove any painter’s tape you used to protect the trim.
Technique tips to consider
Juliano notes that the tools you start with can impact your final result, so it's important to choose wisely. 'Roll the surfaces first and cut with a brush last,' he advises. 'The roller moves faster than the paint brush.'
When you’re painting, Chuck notes that you should 'cut in edges before rolling, maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks, use consistent pressure when rolling, and remove painter’s tape before the paint fully dries for crisp lines.'
Common mistakes to avoid
According to Juliano, one of the most common mistakes people make is applying too much paint at once, resulting in a thick and heavy coat of paint. Avoid this by applying two thin coats.
Similarly, Kenneth notes that you shouldn't leave paint sitting out for too long, as this can affect its condition throughout the project.
You should, of course, buy the paint you can afford, but Kenneth advises avoiding low-quality options, as these will generally result in a duller finish and shorter lifespan.
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