Painting Tips: Accelerate Your Next Project with These Pro Techniques

Painting Tips: Accelerate Your Next Project with These Pro Techniques

Updated on Feb. 07, 2024

Professional techniques for a faster, flawless painting project.

Young Asian Happy Woman Painting Interior Wall With Paint RollerYoung Asian Happy Woman Painting Interior Wall With Paint Roller

Learn from a Master Painter

Jay Gorton, a seasoned painting professional with over 30 years of experience, shares his insights for achieving a high-quality finish efficiently. Starting with a one-man operation, Gorton has built a thriving business with a team of over 30 painters, specializing in high-end new construction and mastering techniques like glass-smooth enamel finishes, faux finishes, and antiqued woodwork. His expertise in high-volume, quality painting provides the foundation for the following time-saving tips.

Double Your Painting Speed with an Extra-Wide Roller

A Man Painting Wall with Extra Wide RollerA Man Painting Wall with Extra Wide Roller

For large, uninterrupted wall and ceiling areas, an 18-inch roller setup significantly increases efficiency. While requiring an investment in a larger paint pail, roller cage, and cover, the time saved is substantial. The dual-edged support of the wider roller ensures consistent pressure, minimizing roller marks caused by paint buildup. This specialized equipment is available at most home improvement and paint supply stores.

Efficient Preparation for Varnished Wood Surfaces

Worker Cleaning Wood to PaintWorker Cleaning Wood to Paint

While cleaning is crucial for any surface before painting, surfaces with clear finishes like varnish or polyurethane demand extra attention to guarantee proper paint adhesion. Thorough sanding is effective but time-consuming. A liquid sander/deglosser offers a faster alternative. Follow product instructions carefully, as some require painting over a wet surface while others need to dry first. Apply a bonding primer after deglossing for optimal paint adhesion.

Consistent Caulking for a Seamless Finish

For a professional look, caulk every gap and joint between moldings, and where moldings meet walls or ceilings. This consistent approach eliminates the need to assess individual cracks, saving time and ensuring a flawless final result by preventing dark cracks from showing through the paint.

Minimize Fuzz with a Shed-Resistant Woven Roller

Invest in a shed-resistant woven roller cover for a smooth, lint-free finish. While slightly more expensive, these rollers prevent the frustration of removing embedded fuzz from the painted surface, ultimately saving time and ensuring a professional result.

Upgrade to a Paint Pail for Efficiency and Cleanliness

Paint Tray and Roller, Pouring Paint in Paint BoxPaint Tray and Roller, Pouring Paint in Paint Box

Trade your paint tray for a paint pail. Pails hold more paint, reducing refills, and are less prone to spills. Using a plastic liner simplifies cleanup significantly. Line the pail with painter’s plastic, secure it with tape, and simply discard the liner after use. Leftover paint can be drained back into the can by puncturing the liner.

Utilize Glazing Putty for Quick Repairs

Glazing putty, commonly used in auto body repair, is also excellent for filling minor imperfections in trim. Its ease of application, quick drying time, and sandability make it a time-saving solution for preparing surfaces for painting.

Efficient Window Masking Techniques

Masking window glass is often faster than meticulous brushwork. Apply tape to both sides of the glass, overlapping the edges. Trim the excess with a utility knife, then tape the top and bottom. For spray painting, cover the entire pane with paper secured under the initial tape layer.

A Mini Roller for Detail Work and Touch-Ups

Mini Roller in Paint BucketMini Roller in Paint Bucket

Keep a mini roller with a matching nap to your larger roller on hand for detail work and touch-ups in tight spaces. A small screen placed inside your paint gallon allows for quick access and eliminates the need for a separate tray. Use a foam cover on the mini roller for doors and woodwork.

Avoid Starting in Corners When Brushing

Begin painting a few inches away from inside corners to prevent paint buildup. Spread the paint back into the corner with the brush for a smoother, more even finish. This technique avoids excessive paint accumulation in corners, which can be difficult to distribute evenly.

Mastering the Art of Masking Tape Application

Apply masking tape efficiently by adhering a short section to the molding, then unrolling and applying six inches at a time while keeping the roll firmly against the wall. This method ensures straight lines and a tight seal, minimizing paint bleed-through.

Rosin Paper: A Drop Cloth Alternative

A Man Laying Drop Cloth on FloorA Man Laying Drop Cloth on Floor

Replace cumbersome drop cloths with rosin paper. This affordable and readily available material is easy to position and secure with tape, providing excellent floor protection without the bulk and slippage of traditional drop cloths.

Precise Caulking with a Small Bead

Cut the caulk tube tip minimally, creating a small opening (around 1/16 inch) for precise application. This controls the caulk flow, reducing waste and minimizing cleanup. For larger cracks, apply a second bead or use a separate caulk gun with a slightly larger opening. A smooth, consistent bead requires minimal smoothing, saving time and effort.