No matter how big the job, painting a wall can get tedious pretty fast. No matter how many hands are on deck, it is a slow process, especially when you have to apply multiple layers. As you’re waiting for the first to dry so you can paint another, you might be wondering if there is a better way than that roller in your hand. Thankfully, there is more than one option, with one in particular capable of making life a lot easier.
What Is The Fastest Way To Paint A Wall?
Wait For Dry Weather
It might sound simple but the warmer and dryer the weather, the faster the paint will dry so it will be ready for the second coat much sooner. A cold, wet day will only make the process take longer than it might otherwise so if dry weather is around the corner, it might be worth waiting.
Use TSP To Clean
Before you paint your base layer, it is a good idea to clean the wall, readying it for painting. Using TSP is one of the fastest ways to get this stage done, removing grime and fast without as much elbow grease required.
It is great around the house for multiple purposes so you can remove finger marks from a window or mirror and even help to prime wood for painting. Don’t think that a baby wipe is going to be as effective, it isn’t.
Keep The Room Warm
As well as waiting for the weather to be favorable, it is a good idea to ensure the room and your home is warm when waiting for walls to dry. Use a fan to speed things along or open the windows (which is a good idea anyway for your comfort) to encourage the paint to dry faster.
Use Quality Rollers
This might sound obvious, but a lot of people try to save money on rollers. Although it can be tempting, it isn’t wise. Not only do low-quality rollers not last as long but they tend to shed fibers as you move it up and down which can cause unsightly areas.
Bad rollers are also one of the reasons why paint drips. This can cause more mess to clean up and mean you aren’t getting as much on the wall as you should. A nice wide roller with a quality rolling surface is going to help you move a lot faster, with fewer trips to the paint tray.
The Edges
Some people like to start with the edges but others will leave this part until last. Although it is down to personal preference, it can be quite a tedious part of painting a wall which is why some like to get it out the way.
Don’t dip the brush too deep as this will cause a mess and excess can drip down, which will mean you will have to pause and twist the brush to stop it from spilling. When working around windows, it can be a good idea to only mask the tops to stop drips from moving. If you are confident, you can save time by not masking the ceiling. An angled edge painting brush is useful as they have the shape to get round accurately.
Use A Home Paint Sprayer
If you’re stuck for time and want to shave more than a few minutes off the time it takes to paint a wall, a home paint sprayer is a great option. Not only are they easy to use, but they can cover a larger area, in double-quick time.
They also provide an even coat that is not dependent on a brushstroke or using a similar amount of paint with every push of a roller. On average, a home paint sprayer works around 4 times as fast as a traditional roller or brush paint job. They also work on all types of surfaces and can be used with a variety of paints giving you plenty of options.
Sort The Cracks First
There isn’t a paint that is going to fix unsightly blemishes like a crack in a wall. Holes and dents are other types of nasties you will want to sort out before you apply the paint and although this is going to add to the time it takes to paint a wall, it is a necessity.
Whether you need to scrape or sand an area, even patching it up if there is a need, it is something that has to be done before you get the rollers out.
Make Sure You Have Enough Paint
Many people end up with too much which is never a bad thing and the alternative is not having enough which can mean you have to go and get more to finish the job. A gallon should last around 400 feet so consider this and think about how many coats you are going to need to paint.
Give Yourself Plenty Of Time
You want to be able to get the painting done in one sitting and although you will need to wait for it to dry between coats, you don’t want to have to wait overnight because you started too late. The best way to approach painting your walls is to set plenty of time aside, even if you are looking to get it done quickly.
Is It OK To Paint Over Dirty Walls?
It can be done, but it isn’t advisable. A dirty wall can prevent paint from sticking as well and will mean it won’t enjoy the same longevity as it would if dust and blemishes are removed first. To give the paint the best chance to adhere to a wall, clean it first.
Don’t Neglect The Priming Stage
This is where a lot of people try to shave some time off their paint job but it is not a good idea. You especially shouldn’t skip this if you have a dark color and are painting a light color over the top. When you have primed the surface, you can see how the coverage of the new layer is going and see the changing color.
