Painting an entire room might seem time-consuming, but with the right shortcuts and tools, it’s totally possible to paint a room fast and still get professional-looking results. Whether you’re moving into a new space or just freshening up your walls, these 12 practical tips will help you paint a room quickly and efficiently—even if you’re a beginner. From skipping unnecessary steps to using faster tools, here’s how to paint a room easy and get it done in no time.
How to Paint a Room Fast
If you want to paint your room quickly, you’ll need to bend some traditional painting rules. Despite these shortcuts, the finished result can still look professional. Experienced painters develop speed and precision over time, but with the right tips, even beginners can achieve fast and high-quality results.
One of the easiest ways to speed up the painting job is to get helpers. Painting with a friend not only cuts the time in half but also makes the process more enjoyable. Now, let’s dive into how to quickly paint a room using this and 11 other methods.
1-Get a Painting Helper
Painting with a friend not only speeds things up but also makes the job more enjoyable. While small rooms can get crowded with too many people, two or three helpers are usually enough. Others can help prep the space—like moving furniture, taping edges, and covering floors.
2-Skip Unnecessary Areas
To paint a room fast, focus only on the visible areas. For example, if there’s a large wardrobe you don’t want to move, skip painting behind it. You can always return to it later if needed.
3-Skip the Ceiling if It’s Clean
If your ceiling looks clean (especially in non-smoking homes), skip painting it. Ceiling jobs take time and effort. But if it’s stained or dingy, definitely paint it—dirty ceilings stand out even more once your walls are freshly painted. “Related post: Can you use ceiling paint on walls?
4-Match the Existing Wall Color
One of the quickest ways to paint a room is by using the same color as the previous paint. That way, you don’t have to worry about full coverage or hiding previous colors.
5-Use Full Matte Paint
Matte paint hides roller marks and small mistakes better than glossier finishes. It’s ideal for beginners and perfect if you want to paint a room easy without stress.
6-Invest in a Quality Roller
A high-quality roller helps distribute paint more evenly and speeds up the process. Look for a short nap roller to reduce drips and get a cleaner finish. “Related post: Paint without roller marks.”
7-Try Drip-Free Rollers
Some rollers come with built-in paint reservoirs. These “dripless” rollers let you paint faster without constantly dipping and reloading. Plus, they help keep the room cleaner.
8-Use a Paint Sprayer
A good paint sprayer can help you paint a room fast—even finishing a first coat in under an hour. It’s a great option for larger rooms or full-home painting.
9-Skip the Tape
Taping can be time-consuming. Instead, use an angled edging brush or an edging tool. Keep a damp cloth handy to clean up minor mistakes as you go. “Related post: How to paint trim without tape.”
10-Consider Skipping the Second Coat
If you’re painting the room in a color close to the existing one, a single coat might be enough. Let the first coat dry fully, then check the coverage before deciding. “Related article: How long between coats of paint.”
11-Skip the Primer if You Can
Primers are great for dark walls or bare drywall. But if you’re painting over a light, already-painted wall, you may not need one—saving you time and money. “Related article: How much primer do i need?”
12-Stick to Light Colors
Light colors like white, ivory, cream, and pale gray are easier to work with and don’t show brush or roller marks. They’re a great choice when you want to paint a room quickly. This article on the best off-white paint colors might be helpful to you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Surface preparation is key to a successful paint job, so don’t overlook it.
- Avoid overloading the roller; it leads to drips and uneven coverage.
- Don’t paint over dirty or greasy walls.
