Time saving techniques for painting

A few years ago, I took on the tremendous task of painting my entire apartment. When I moved in, the brown painted walls created an environment that was dark and uninviting. I knew immediately I was going to have to give my new home a makeover.

The easiest way to transform the dark space was to brighten it up with a new painting project and the most cost-effective way to do this was to paint it myself. Several hours and trips to the paint store (at least eight?!) later, my space was bright and cheery and finally felt like home.

Although I’m happy to have saved money on the project, I know there are many things I could have done differently to have saved time as well. Painting a room may seem like a tedious task. However, with these time saving techniques, you’ll be able to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Techniques designed to protect:

Measure

Measure your space to determine how much paint you’ll need. This will save you from having to take multiple trips to the hardware store. Simply take your dimensions into the store or use a paint calculator online.

If you have painted your walls before, you can possibly skip a step. Instead of applying primer before you paint, use a paint with a primer in it. Two birds, one stone!

Protect

Protect your space. By masking off your baseboards and trim, and using a drop cloth or surface protector. This will save yourself time and money when you inevitably spill or splatter paint. In my case, I spilled half a gallon of paint and found yellow paw prints throughout my home. While this was an adorable surprise, it took me extra time at the end of my already time-consuming painting project to scrub the floor (and the paws of my furry companions).

We suggest using the following surface protection products to help protect your space:

• Stay Put Canvas Plus Dropcloth – this drop cloth has three protective layers.The top canvas layer provides absorption, while the plastic layer in the middle prevents leaks. The grip padding on the bottom layer makes this drop cloth slip-resistant and a safe option for stairs and hardwood floors. The Stay Put will absorb both water based and oil based paints, keeping your floors safe from spills or excess paint.
• Quick Drop – this drop cloth is lightweight, absorbent and padded, which is perfect for kneeling while painting baseboards.
• X•Paper – let’s face it – builder’s and rosin paper tends to rip, and rip again. And again. Save time reapplying and upgrade your floor protection with X-Paper. 1.5x thicker than regular flooring paper, this paper will repel minor spills, dust, and hold up to more wear and tear for all types of painting projects.
• BluEdge Painting Tape – mask off trim and baseboard with a tape designed specifically for the surface you’ll be painting. This one is best for use on drywall or other smooth surface and can be left on for up to 14 days. When the paint dries, peel up the painter’s tape to discover perfectly straight lines!
• Protection Film – from simple static cling masking film to heavy duty protection film this type of surface protection is great for paint splatters and spray paint and is a professional painter’s favorite.

Work smarter, not harder

Constantly moving a ladder, and climbing up and down it is exhausting and time consuming. Avoid the hassle, and add an extension pole to your paint roller. With an extension pole, you can even reach the ceiling. Your back will thank you!

Another quick and easy hack is to store your brushes and rollers in plastic bags. If your job will only take a few days, simply put your brushes in ziplock bags and seal tightly to keep them from drying out. No need to rinse everything out, everyday.

We hope you find these painting tips helpful! Have your own time saving techniques for interior painting? Share them below!

Interested in more products to help protect your jobsite while painting? Look through our full catalog here!