How to Paint a House Faster and Easier

Painting a house can seem like a daunting task, but with some planning and preparation, you can get it done faster and easier. Proper prep work and using the right tools and techniques will help speed up the painting process. Here are some tips on how to paint the exterior or interior of a house quickly and efficiently.

Gather Supplies and Prep the House

Before starting any painting project, it’s important to have all the necessary supplies. Make sure you have:

Paint in the right sheens – Flat, eggshell, or satin paint for walls, semi-gloss for trim and doors.
Paint rollers – At least a 9-inch roller for walls, smaller rollers for trim.
Paint brushes – Angled sash brushes for cutting in edges.
Paint trays and liners – To hold and distribute paint.
Drop cloths – To protect floors and furniture from drips.
Painters tape – For clean lines along trim and ceilings.
Sandpaper, spackle, caulk – For prep work.
Paint thinner, mineral spirits – For cleanup.

Once you have the supplies, prep the painting area by:

Clearing the room of furniture and belongings. Remove switch plates and vent covers.
Repairing imperfections in the walls with spackle and sanding smooth.
Filling any holes and gaps with caulk.
Washing walls to remove dirt and grease. Let dry fully before painting.
Lightly sanding glossy trim to help the paint adhere.
Taping off edges along ceilings, trim, and baseboards with painter’s tape.

Proper prep prevents paint problems later on. Take the time to get surfaces clean and ready for fresh paint.

Pick the Right Type of Paint

Choosing the appropriate paint makes a difference in ease of application and finished look. Consider:

Paint Sheen

Flat – For walls and ceilings. Provides a matte look and hides surface imperfections. Touch-ups are less noticeable.
Eggshell – For walls. Has a soft, velvety appearance. Stands up to cleaning better than flat.
Satin – For walls. Has a hint of shine. Quite durable and scrubbable.
Semi-Gloss – For trim, doors, bathrooms, and kitchens. Has a medium shine and is very washable.
High-Gloss – For cabinets, furniture. Has a bright shine and maximum durability.

Water-Based vs. Oil-Based

Water-based (latex) – Dries faster, less odor, easier cleanup with water, less yellowing. Best for walls and trim.
Oil-based (alkyd) – Harder finish, but fumes are strong and cleanup requires paint thinner. Good for trim in bathrooms and kitchens.

Primer vs. Paint-and-Primer

Primer – Provides better adhesion for paint, seals surfaces, blocks stains. Use as base coat on new or unpainted surfaces.
Paint-and-primer – Combines primer and paint for quicker one-coat coverage. Works well for color changes and previously painted surfaces.

Choose the highest quality paint you can afford for better coverage and durability. Ask your local paint store for recommendations based on your particular painting project.

Set Up an Efficient Painting Workflow

A little planning goes a long way for fast, easy painting. Set up an efficient workflow:

Cut in edges first – Use a brush and steady hand to paint trim, corners, and edges around ceilings and moldings. Angled sash brushes work best.
Roll larger surfaces – Use a loaded roller to apply paint in a zig-zag “W” or crisscross pattern. Work in 3×3 ft sections.
Maintain a wet edge – Keep a wet edge as you paint by brushing into rolled areas before they dry. Work top to bottom of each wall.
Finish with detail work – Use a small brush to touch up corners, outlets, and spots you may have missed after the main paint is applied.
Work from top to bottom of the room. Paint ceilings first, then walls, and finish with trim. This prevents drips onto freshly painted surfaces.
Do one room at a time – Complete a single room before moving to the next. This avoids going back to fix missed spots and prevents colors from bleeding between rooms.

Follow this efficient sequence in each room for smooth, speedy painting with minimal touch-ups required.

Use Pro Painting Tools and Techniques

Using professional painting tools and techniques will enable you to paint faster with smoother results:

Use painter’s tape – Tape off edges along baseboards, ceilings, and trim for super straight lines and less need for cutting in by hand. Remove tape immediately after painting before the paint dries.
Load the roller properly – Dip the roller into paint just 1/4 to 1/3 of the way to prevent dripping. Roll off excess paint against the inside ridge of the tray before applying to the wall.
Apply paint in a “W” pattern – Roll up and down in a zig-zag motion, overlapping each stroke to ensure even coverage. Move across the wall in 3×3 ft sections.
Use extension poles – Attach rollers and paint brushes to extension poles for reaching high walls and ceilings without climbing a ladder. Makes painting go faster and easier.
Paint with the grain – When painting wood trim or paneling, brush in the direction of the wood grain for a smooth finish.
Use quality applicators – Invest in good-quality polyester or microfiber paint rollers and nylon/polyester blend brushes. They hold more paint and leave fewer brush marks.
Maintain wet edges – Avoid lap marks by brushing in where a newly painted area meets up with a still-wet section to blend them together. Work in an orderly fashion.

Using the right tools goes hand-in-hand with proper technique for outstanding painting results.

Speed Up Drying Time Between Coats

When painting walls, applying multiple thin coats allows each coat to dry faster than one thick coat. Follow these tips for quicker drying:

Keep air circulating with doors/windows open and fans on low speed. Position fans to blow air parallel to wet surfaces.
Use a paint sprayer instead of a roller. Fine mist coats dry much faster. Be sure to back-roll after spraying.
Add a paint drying accelerator like Floetrol to latex paints. It helps water in paint evaporate faster.
Use fast-drying paints formulated to dry within 1-2 hours for recoat. Great when painting cabinets or furniture.
Apply thin coats using less paint on the roller. Thinner paint dries faster than thick, heavy coats.
Paint in dry weather when humidity is low. High humidity significantly lengthens drying time.
Direct heat onto painted surfaces with a space heater or blow dryer to speed up drying. Keep heat source moving to avoid blistering.
Use oil-based paints and primers which dry faster than latex. Ensure proper ventilation due to strong odors.

Plan your painting so coats dry as quickly as possible. Allow the full drying time between coats recommended by the manufacturer.

Clean Up Efficiently After Painting

Putting in a little time for proper cleanup will leave you with a fresh painted room minus the mess:

Wipe down paint drips right away, before they have a chance to dry and stick to surfaces.
For water-based paints, clean brushes and rollers using soap/water. Store soaked in water if taking a break between coats.
Use paint thinner or mineral spirits to clean oil-based paint from brushes and equipment. Allow solvents to evaporate outdoors.
Remove all painters tape promptly after painting while the edges are still wet. Pull slowly parallel to the surface.
Use a putty knife to scrape paint drips from glass, flooring, or other hard surfaces. Wipe with paint thinner on a rag.
For paint splatters on fabric or carpet, dab gently with a solvent like turpentine before the paint sets up, then wash normally.
Reinstall switch plate covers, vent covers, and outlet covers once paint is fully dry.
Touch up any final spots with a small artists brush. Feather out edges of touch-ups for invisible blending.

Don’t put off cleanup until later. Deal with paint drips and spills as you go, and cleanup will be a breeze.

How to Paint a House Exterior Quickly

Painting the outside of a house is a big job, but it goes faster if you break it down into manageable steps:

Prep the Exterior Surface

Inspect all surfaces and make repairs – holes, cracks, rotted wood, etc.
Remove peeling/chipping paint by sanding, scraping or pressure washing.
Caulk around windows, doors, pipes, and other openings. Smooth with wet finger.
Prime bare spots that need it, especially new wood and masonry.

Paint from Top to Bottom

Plan starting point nearest roof and work downward in logical order.
Paint siding before shutters, railings, and other trim.
Use extension poles for painting second story and high areas.

Tackle Trim and Detail Areas

Paint doors, window trim, and corner boards first.
Use quality angled trim brushes for best control.
Remove hardware like doorknobs prior to painting doors.

Use Large Rollers for Siding

9-inch rollers speed up painting siding, garage doors, fencing.
Maintain a wet edge and work in manageable 3 ft. by 3 ft. sections.

Factor in Dry Time

Allow paint at least 24 hours drying time before adding another coat.
Wait 2 weeks before washing or cleaning newly painted exterior surfaces.

Pay Attention to Weather Conditions

Don’t paint in direct sunlight or if rain is expected.
Avoid humidity over 85% which can hinder drying and affect results.
Optimal exterior painting temperature range is 50-90°F.

With good prep work and an efficient process, you can breathe new life into the exterior of a house quickly.

Tips for Painting Interior Walls and Ceilings Quickly

When tackling interior house painting, focus on cutting in efficiently, proper roller technique, and working methodically room-by-room to maximize speed.

Prep Walls and Ceilings

Fill holes, repair cracks, sand rough areas and remove old paint properly.
Clean surfaces thoroughly – wash walls and use TSP cleaner for areas with nicotine, grease, etc.
Lightly sand glossy finishes to dull the surface so new paint adheres properly.

Cut-In and Roll Walls Methodically

Use quality angled sash brushes to cut-in corners, ceilings, trim and electrical boxes.
Roll walls in 3×3 sections using overlapping W strokes and maintaining a wet edge.
Work top to bottom of each wall and move across the room systematically.

Use Painter’s Tape for Super Sharp Lines

Tape off edges along baseboards, trim and ceiling/wall joints before painting.
Remove tape immediately after painting that section before the paint dries.

Pour Paint into Paint Trays

Use paint tray liners to make cleanup fast and easy.
Pour just enough paint to work with for about 20-30 minutes at a time.

Apply Thin, Even Coats

Roll a thin, even coat using light pressure for smoothest finish.
Thinner coats dry quicker allowing faster recoating to build coverage.

Plan Breaks Around Drying Time

Take breaks when natural stopping points in the paint job occur.
Allow manufacturer’s recommended drying time between coats.

Employing these techniques will help you power through interior rooms efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions About Painting a House Fast

Q: What is the fastest way to paint a room?

A: The fastest way to paint a room is to use quality applicators, work systematically from top to bottom using painter’s tape for sharp edges, apply thin coats that dry quickly, and maintain a wet edge between walls.

Q: How long does it take to paint a 2000 sq ft house interior?

A: For a 2000 sq ft house interior with 9 ft ceilings, it will take 2-3 days with 2 painters working efficiently using rollers and cutting in edges quickly between coats.

Q: Should I use rollers or paint sprayers for the fastest house painting?

A: While paint sprayers can offer speed, rollers used correctly provide great results. Combine rollers for large areas and angled brushes to cut-in edges for fast, high quality paint jobs.

Q: What time of year is best for exterior house painting?

A: The optimal time for exterior painting is during the spring, summer or fall when temperatures are consistently between 50-90°F and there is low humidity and no rain in the forecast.

Q: Does painting the ceiling or the walls first make painting faster?

A: Painting the ceiling first, then walls, and finally trim is optimal so new paint isn’t damaged by drips from overhead surfaces. Working top to bottom speeds the process.

Q: Can I speed up drying time when painting indoor walls?

A: To speed up drying between coats, use fans, open windows, add paint extender, apply thin coats, use fast-drying specialty paints, and paint when indoor humidity levels are low.

Q: Is it faster to paint before or after moving furniture into a room?

A: Painting an empty room with no furniture to work around or mask off is significantly faster and allows you total freedom of movement.

Conclusion

With the right supplies, preparation, and painting approach, you really can paint the interior or exterior of a house faster and easier. Carefully prepping surfaces, using painter’s tape, working methodically from top to bottom, maintaining wet edges, and applying thin coats of quality paint will speed up the painting process. Keep air circulating for faster drying times between coats. Take time for proper cleanup as you go, and you’ll achieve beautiful painted finishes smoothly and efficiently. With these tips, you can paint like a pro and have your home looking freshly painted in no time!

So in summary:

Gather all painting supplies and prep surfaces thoroughly before starting.
Choose the appropriate paint sheen, oil-based or latex, quality level, and primer vs paint-and-primer for your project.
Set up an efficient workflow – cut in edges first, roll walls in sections, finish with detail work, paint top to bottom of the room.
Employ professional painting techniques for better results – use painter’s tape, load rollers properly, maintain wet edges, etc.
Speed up drying between coats by opening windows, positioning fans, and using paint extenders or fast dry paints.
Clean up spills, drips, and tools as you go to prevent messes from drying and sticking.
Break down exterior painting into manageable sections – prep, paint top down, do trim and detail work last.
Use large rollers on siding and pay attention to optimal weather conditions when painting outside.
Cut in efficiently, roll walls systematically, and take breaks at good stopping points when tackling interior room painting.

Follow these tips and tricks to paint the interior or exterior of your home smoothly, efficiently, and beautifully. With the right approach, you can paint a house faster and easier than you ever imagined!