Decorating a room is a challenge, but did you know you can do it, in one day? If you get it just right, with the right preparation and effort, you can create a divine atmosphere in a room in no time. In this blog, I will explain how to paint a room in one day, step by step, so you can be ready to welcome your new room without having to sweat the extra days.
The key to a successful one-day painting project is preparation and efficiency. If you can fragment the work into smaller steps and have everything ready in advance, you can better utilize your time and finish the job much faster. Whether you want to update a bedroom, modernise a living room or create a new home office, this guide will take you there in just one day. Fortunately, with the right planning and the motivation to take it to the next level, you can makeover your home in no time and be in the mood to create the space of your dreams.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Supplies
Before you get your hands on a paintbrush, make sure you’ve got all of the right equipment and materials at hand. Trust me, you don’t want to get halfway through the job and realise that you’re missing that one thing. The fundamentals are: paint (no surprise!), paint brushes of all shapes and sizes, paint rollers and roller tray, painter's tape, drop cloths or sheet paper to safeguard your floor and furniture, a ladder or step stool, and a putty knife for any wall repair. Don’t forget paint trays and liners these will help save your life when you need to reload your roller. You’ll end up wasting so much time and frustration if you prep everything ahead of time before you begin painting. Just get to the job instead of running around trying to find something you forgot. I promise you’ll have that extra 15-20 minutes to prepare yourself ahead of time.
Step 2: Prepare the Room
So, with everything prepped, let’s prep the room for paint. First, empty the room as much as you can. Move any items into the middle of the room and drape them with a large drop cloth. This will safeguard your possessions from spills or splatters. Then check out the walls closely and prepare as necessary. Holes or cracks should be filled with spackle and then lightly sanded when dry. This will allow the paint to spread easily. Then it’s time to tape! Apply professional-grade painter’s tape to all trim, baseboards, outlets and other surfaces you don’t wish to paint. This takes some time in the beginning but will save you a huge headache in the long run. Lastly, place your drop cloths on the floor to catch any spills or drips. You can do plastic sheeting, old towels, even cardboard - just make sure you get the entire floor covered. Now that the room is set up, you’ll not have to delay getting into the painting. Believe me, if you take the time to do this step correctly, it will smoothen everything out.
Step 3: Start With a Primer
When you are ready to paint, consider priming. This is not always necessary but can affect the outcome, especially if you’re covering dark hues, and spots that are stained, or changing from a glossy to matte finish. A primer makes your top coat stickier and more opaque, so your new shade stands out. You can easily apply it, using a roller or angled brush to coat the walls with thin, even patches in a short time, paying close attention to the edges. Make sure to allow it to dry completely before moving on to the fun painting part. This may be an extra step but it is well worth it for a satin-like finish, plus it will prevent you from wasting money on layers later.
Step 4: Cutting In the Edges
It’s time to paint, now! But first, you’ll need to "cut in" around the corners and edges with an angled brush. This means, brushing up and around the trim, baseboards, ceiling, and any places your roller doesn’t fit in. It takes some practice, but it will give you crisp professional lines. Do it slowly, one stroke at a time, in small sections and keep your strokes light and even. Feel free to dive back in; if your brush is well-saturated, you will be able to apply it evenly. Once you are done cutting in, roll the paint out on the upper wall areas. This way, your roller can emulsify the rest of the wall with no stray overlaps or spots. It may take a bit of practice to get the hang of the cut-in, but it will be worth it, and your walls will be sleek and polished.
Step 5: Roll on the Paint
Once the edges are neatly covered, apply the paint and see the change! Make sure you use an even and "W" pattern for your roller to apply. Start from the top of the wall and move downward with soft, overlapping strokes, filling in the entire wall before you move down. Mix together the edges of each piece to get rid of lines and seams. Take 4-5 foot pieces to make it easy and get as much coverage as you can get, and don’t be afraid to do two coats if needed. It'll just brighten the colour up and give your room that slick uniform finish. Just be sure to let one coat dry properly before putting on the next one, otherwise the paint will fall off or drip. Patience is key here! Need help to choose your paint, take a look at our other blogpost for some help.
Step 6: Touch-Ups and Clean-Up
Congratulations, you’ve conquered the cold shoulder! Now for those final touches. You should begin by doing a quick wall check for gaps or patches of unevenness. Get out your brush and touch up any details you need to get things looking perfect. Then remove the painter’s tape gently, but very carefully, when the paint is dry, so as not to give you ragged edges, and after that, let’s get to work! Take your brushes and rollers out as soon as you can so the paint doesn’t dry on them. You fold your drop cloths and toss the paint-covered rags or towels away. Once you’re finished, bring your furniture back into the room and look at your work! Now relax and enjoy the results!
Tips for Success
Here are a few additional tips to make sure your one-day paint project goes off without a hitch:
First, choose a durable, fast-drying paint. The paint will not bleed, it will have consistent coverage, and it will dry in a flash so that the second coat is just a quick application away.
Then, leave your windows wide open for better ventilation. It’ll get the paint dry faster, and those fumes will be a little easier to manage. Just make sure you shut them down when you’re done for the day.
If you can, get a second pair of hands to help you. With the help of a friend, you save a lot of time and make the experience all the more fun.
Lastly, stay methodical and don’t hurry the process. Doing everything right will make it look professional from top to bottom. Follow the plan and see what you can do in one day!
Take Help from Professionals – Adam Painters and Decorators
Painting in a day can be done, of course, but when you’re in a hurry, have no expertise, or just want to get it right, painting in a day isn’t an option. That’s what Adam Painters and Decorators are for! We have over a decade’s worth of experience painting and decorating, and we’re a pro at quick professional transformations. Whether you require new paint, custom designs for walls, or pre-painting repair assistance, we got you covered.
Here’s why you should think about using our services:
Efficient Service: We have the tools, techniques, and team to complete projects in record time without compromising quality.
Expert Results: Say goodbye to streaky walls and uneven edges; our professionals ensure a smooth, polished finish every time.
Stress-Free Experience: From choosing the right colour to clean up, we take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy your revamped space.
Next-Day Availability: Need your room painted on short notice? We offer quick turnaround services to fit your schedule.
Reach out to Adam Painters and Decorators today for a free quote, and let us take the hassle out of your painting project! Your dream room makeover is just a message away.