There are many reasons why people paint the interior of their homes, but how long does it take to paint a room? Our guide here has you covered.
There’s a reason why the paint manufacturing industry is worth an estimated $25 billion. A new coat of paint can completely change the feel of a room. Unfortunately, painting a room can sometimes take quite a long time. Because of this, people often make the mistake of biting off more than they can chew for a day of work.
So, exactly how long does it take to paint a room? If you want to know the answer, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through the average time it takes to paint a square inch. That way, you can get a good estimate of how long it will take you. Let’s get started!
How Long Does It Take to Paint a Room?
This is one of the most common questions that new homeowners ask. Ultimately, the biggest factor is in determining it is the size of the room. There are three main steps in painting a room: set-up, rolling and cleaning. Set-up involves laying down floor material, removing electric socket covers, and laying down painter’s tape.
Generally, this takes around eighteen seconds per square foot. The process of painting, on the other hand, takes around forty seconds per square foot.
Clean up takes the least amount of time — around seven seconds per square foot. So, to calculate how long it will take to paint, simply multiply these figures and add them together. For example, let’s say you’re painting a 20 x 20-foot room. Here’s how it would break down:
- Set-up: 400 x .18 = 72 minutes
- Rolling: 400 x .4 = 162 minutes
- Clean up: 400 x .07 = 28 minutes
- Total time for one coat of paint = 262 minutes
However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate. The reality is that a variety of factors can also affect the length of time it takes to paint a room. For example, the experience level of the painter and the tools their using can greatly increase the time. An inexperienced painter using a small brush will take a lot longer than a professional using a roller.
The age of the house, wall type, and the previous paint color are also factors. Certain types of material and colors will require more force and coats to completely cover.
Finally, even the type of paint you use can affect the length. Latex paint generally dries faster which means it can be recoated quicker. Because of these time-increasing factors, you should provide yourself with extra time to make sure you aren’t rushed.
Tips on Painting More Quickly
As you can see, painting takes up a good deal of time. Luckily, there are things you can do to speed up the process. First, make sure that you have all your equipment gathered before beginning. That way, you aren’t making frequent trips to the store. Take care of the prep work the day before you begin.
That way it doesn’t wear you down before you even begin. Most of the time, you should consider not painting your ceiling. Unless it’s in rough-looking shape, then it probably doesn’t need it since it doesn’t receive as much abuse as the walls.
However, you should pay attention to the signs that your walls need a new coat. Finally, you should only use a brush for trim work. Use a roller for everything else. It will go by much more quickly.
Make Sure to Take Safety Precautions
It’s an unfortunate fact, but paint fumes can have a serious effect on your health. So what can you do to prevent this? First, wear safety equipment: goggles, dust masks, and work gloves at a minimum. Make sure you don’t breathe the paint chemical when you work. You can do this by painting with a lot of windows open to ventilate the space.
If you don’t have windows in the room, then use a fan instead. Finally, make sure you securely cover the floor with both plastic sheathing and cloth material. If you use a ladder, then the plastic will ensure that the cloth doesn’t move while your painting at higher levels.
When Should You Call a Professional?
There are a few reasons why you might want to consider hiring a professional to paint your home instead of doing it yourself. The first reason is speed. Professional painters generally paint twice as quickly as a homeowner with some experience. So, they’ll be in and out much faster. This speed also makes them more ideal for larger commercial jobs or full-house painting.
The second reason is quality. While some people are naturally good painters, many homeowners unknowingly perform a poor quality job. Too much paint, drip marks, and unattractive streaks are just some of the problems that tend to occur. Going with a professional who has experience ensures you’ll never encounter these problems.
The third reason is convenience. Painting is hard work. It involves stand at awkward positions and sore arms are sure to follow. If you’re getting older, or just want to take a break, then consider passing off the work to a professional.
Need Your Home or Business Painted? Contact Harding’s Painting
We hope this article helped you answer the question, How long does it take to paint a room? There’s no doubt that painting a house is a time-consuming process. Unfortunately, it inevitably takes a longer amount of time for amateurs. Professional painters can help, but find a trustworthy one can be a challenge. So what’s the solution?
If you live in the Calgary area, then look no further than Harding’s Painting. For over two decades we’ve been perfecting our skills as residential and commercial painters. In addition to a professional job, we also provide a free estimate. That way, you know exactly what you’re getting into. If you’re ready to give your room the paint job it deserves, then get in touch with us today.