I have been painting rooms since high school, and over the years I have picked up a few tricks. Yesterday I completed this 9' x 12' bedroom, ceiling, walls, and trim, in one day. It is possible. As for a new painter, this may not be completely possible, but with some of my tips, you can cut down on the time!
Tips From A Painter.
First, make sure everything is covered and that you have enough tarps to cover all surfaces.
When painting ceiling, walls and trim, I like to start with the ceiling and trim. Edge out the ceiling with a brush (1 1/2" brush is my favorite). This edging doesn't need to be perfect. If anything it should come onto the wall. Make sure you get the paint into the crease. This will allow for more control of a straight line when you paint the walls.
Between layers I cover everything in plastic. The rollers, pan and paint brush. It doesn't make sense to clean everything if your about to use it in the next 30 min. This cuts down on extra time wasted on cleaning everything more than once, and you will conserve water!
To maximize time efficiency, you need to always be painting and the order in which you paint plays a crucial role. But be aware that the edges need to be dry in order to paint the adjoining surface. For example if you just painted the ceiling you can't immediately move to the walls because that ceiling edge is still wet. The order in which I like to paint goes like this.. 1 coat on the ceiling, 1 coat on the trim and doors, 2nd coat on the ceiling, start edging the walls but edge around the trim first then the ceiling, fill in the walls. Now is when you have some down time because you need to make sure the walls are completely dry before the next coat. Take a break, clean up the ceiling stuff, eat some lunch. Put the second coat on the walls then go around one more time on the trim.
The reason for painting over the lines on the ceiling and trim.. it allows you to correct the previous paint job. The previous painter may have not had a straight line or put the wall color more on the trim than you would like. This allows you to have full control of the line you make. You also have the ability now to change where that line is.
Remember its always easier to cover a darker color over white rather than white over a darker color. Always go light to dark (an artist tip).
Edge out the room using that 1 1/2" paintbrush and paint in a good 2" from the ceiling. This is just enough space for the roller to not make marks on the ceiling. If your hand isn't so steady, stick to the tape for now. And remember you can always go back with the white paint to correct yourself and clean up the lines.
Nows the fun part, rolling it in! This will seem so easy after all the work you did up to this point. No matter what kind of paint you use, if it says one coat or includes primer (which is most paints nowadays) ALWAYS do 2 coats. You will never cover completely on the first coat. It's the second coat that adds the richness and dimension to the paint. Don't worry, the second coat always goes on in half the time of the first.
Lastly, HAVE FUN!! I have been painting rooms for 6 years now and I'm always excited for a new challenge. Every room is different and needs a unique game plan. It's also a great workout, you'll be surprised the new muscles you find the next morning.
Check out some of my other project at rebeccazerby.com. If you read all my time saving tips and would still like a painter, contact me at rebeccazerby@gmail.com.
Happy Painting
peace & love
Rebecca
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