Painting your home can be a manageable DIY project, even for beginners. However, completing a room can take a significant amount of time, especially if you’re new to painting. We consulted a professional painter to uncover a simple method for accelerating the process without sacrificing the quality of the finished result.
The Key to Faster Painting: Extension Pole and Roller
Instead of simply speeding up your brushstrokes or roller application (which can lead to a poor finish), Jeff Funk, a professional painter and founder/CEO of Funky Painting, recommends a different approach.
“Using an extension pole with an 18-inch roller is a game-changer,” he explains. “This combination allows the roller to maintain a wet edge and minimizes the need for frequent ladder climbing or repositioning. The result is a 30 to 50 percent reduction in project time—effectively transforming a two-day, 1,200 square foot job into a one-day project.”
The recommended technique involves starting with the ceiling and then working your way down the walls using the extension pole and roller. Remember to keep your roller loaded with paint and protect the floor and furniture with drop cloths. Also, use painter’s tape to cover baseboards, trim, and other objects like light switches.
Four Tips for Streamlining Your Painting Process
Beyond the extension pole trick, several other strategies can help you paint faster.
1. Thorough Area Preparation
Regardless of the project size, proper preparation is crucial.
“Replace old roller sleeves, apply painter’s tape, and lay down drop cloths before you even open the paint can,” Funk advises. “Proper setup saves hours.”
This includes covering the entire floor, any remaining furniture, and other objects with a plastic tarp or drop cloth to prevent paint splatters and reduce cleanup time. Ensure your roller has a fresh sleeve and your paint tray is clean to avoid transferring old paint. Finally, apply painter’s tape to areas you don’t want painted, such as baseboards, trim, light switches, or the ceiling.
2. Paint the Edges First
Just as painter’s tape creates a clean border, painting the edges of the room first serves the same purpose.
Once the edges are painted, you can focus solely on filling in the main flat areas using the roller. This technique makes it easier to maintain a wet edge and helps to blend the edges, reducing the need for detailed brushwork and resulting in a smoother, more consistent finish.
3. Consider a Paint Sprayer
For larger projects, a paint sprayer offers a remarkably fast way to achieve a smooth, even finish without brush strokes or pooling paint. However, the results will vary depending on your skill and experience.
Funk explains, “When working outdoors, simply tarp the area, put on a mask, and spray the target surface for fast and effective paint jobs.” Indoors, ensure proper ventilation and thoroughly prepare the space with drop cloths and painter’s tape to prevent accidental overspray.
4. Team Up With a Partner
The easiest way to paint faster is often to work with another person—as the saying goes, many hands make light work.
“If possible, tackle painting projects with at least two people,” Funk suggests. “One person paints the edges of an 8 to 10 foot strip, while the other uses a roller to paint the main flat areas.” This division of labor can dramatically increase painting speed, even with just two individuals. Having a second person also simplifies prep work and cleanup.
Ultimately, employing these strategies—from using an extension pole to collaborating with a partner—can significantly reduce the time it takes to complete your painting project, all while maintaining a high-quality finish.
Painting faster is achievable with the right tools and techniques—leading to a beautifully renovated space and more time to enjoy it.
