Unless painting a room is a passion, you probably want to finish the task as
soon as possible — while still doing a quality job. Here are some tips for doing
just that:

• One-coat paints. Having to do a second coat is time-consuming.
Fortunately, there are several “one coat” paints that can get the job
done, well, in one coat! They don’t work for every type of project. But, if
your walls are in good condition and you’re not dramatically changing
the underlying colour, a one-coat paint is worth considering.

• Leverage various-sized rollers. Most people use rollers for the main
wall surface and switch to brushes for the tight areas. Instead of a
brush, try a smaller roller. That can speed up the painting considerably.

• Use quality brushes and rollers. Cheap brushes tend to not hold paint
evenly and can also shed fibres – which you then have to pick off the
painted surface. Good quality brushes and rollers may cost a little more,
but the paint will be applied more smoothly and evenly — saving you
time.

• Wear your painter’s tape. When running painter’s tape to prep a room,
wear the roll on your wrist. That way, you won’t constantly be reaching
for it.

• Wrap rollers and brushes in plastic. For longer painting jobs, wrap
rollers and brushes that are not in use in plastic wrap or baggies (the
kind you use in the kitchen.) That will keep the brushes and rollers wet
while you take a break.

• Start in the middle. Most people start at the end of a wall and work
their way to the center. You’ll paint faster if you do the opposite. In
addition, you’ll avoid applying too much paint in the corners (which
people are apt to do when they start there).

Want more tips for preparing your home for sale? Call me anytime.