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How Long Does It Take to Paint a Room in Your House?

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 in Your House

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.

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Insider Tips for Choosing the Best Interior Painting Services

Insider Tips for Choosing the Best Interior Painting Services

Get top quality results for you home’s fresh coat of paint by hiring the best interior painting services. Learn how to find the very best with these tips.

 

Interior Painting ServicesHow do you choose between interior painting services in town? You want to hire someone who will do a great job on your home or commercial building, but how do you know which one is best when they all have great reviews on their websites? What sets them apart?

Maybe you’ve hired a contractor before and you’re already overwhelmed by the thought of having to do it again. We understand. Let us give you some helpful tips for choosing the perfect interior painting service — one that will give you the best value for your money. Read on to find out what they are so you can relax and be confident with your choice.

Step 1: See What’s Out There

When you’re looking for a professional painting company online, whether they’re going to paint your home or commercial business, try not to get overwhelmed with all the choices. Take a deep breath and remember: Right now you’re just seeing what’s out there. Peruse the options. Make a shortlist of the ones you have a good feeling about.

Pick 5 or 6 of the best interior painting services for your list, and put them in order of most to least reputable, and by how informative their website is.

Some good places to start looking for a painting contractor are:

  • Friends and family referrals
  • Better Business Bureau
  • Painting & Decorating Contractors of America
  • Angie’s List 

When checking the BBB’s website for your local area, take a look at the Annual Homeowner Survey area. This will show you the most trusted referrals.

Step 2: Get Some Bids

You have your list of interior painting companies. Get multiple bids so you have some options. You’ve probably considered the fact that they can get booked up fast. So collect the data needed by each company, which usually includes the square footage, and wall area, of your home or commercial space.

If you’d rather have each interior painting company call you go ahead and fill out the information on their website or send an email. You may be happy with the one that calls you first just because they got back to you first, but you still have some decisions to make, so don’t settle right away.

Healthy Competition

You’ll want to get bids from several professional painting services so you know the range of prices and quality of work, friendliness, reputation, and general availability for the time period during which you need to get the job done. Getting multiple bids also reminds the contractors that they have some competition for the job.

First Meeting

You might feel loyalty towards the first one that arrives to look at your home or building, but this is just a psychological phenomenon. Keep your wits about you and remember, you want them to compete for your business. Healthy competition is a good thing. Don’t automatically go for the “low-ball” bid, as tempting as it may be.

Try to get at least a few bids before making your decision. You’ll thank yourself in the long-run when you make the right choice and you don’t have a ruined livingroom.

Step 3: Interviewing Companies for Interior Painting Services

Remember, you have the upper hand; They’re competing for a job you’re offering. Ask them tough questions, because later you could regret not doing so. Brainstorm what you’d like and need to ask. Here are some recommended questions to ask during the interview.

  • How long have they been in business (the longer the better)
  • Do they use subcontractors or do they use a regular crew (red flag – cheap labor)
  • Do they offer a warranty (a must)
  • Are they insured (a must)
  • Has the interior painting company received any awards (bonus points)
  • Can they provide references and a picture portfolio (a must)
  • What brands/types of paint do they usually use or are willing to use (cheap paint is a red flag)
  • How much of the wall preparation is included in the contract (don’t get scammed)
  • Do they keep a clean workspace, and clean up afterward (a must)

As you may already know, painting can be a smelly job. Consider staying at a local hotel or at a family member’s or friend’s place if it’s your home you’re having painted.

If it’s your business, work together on how to put up warning signs for the public and colleagues and how to block off any areas that should be avoided by foot traffic or long-term occupancy. For health precautions, consider asking about how much time one should stay in a wet-paint area without a mask.

Step 4: Take Some Time to Think

Let yourself rest take some time to think about which one you want to hire. Think about how each company reacted to the questions. Did they seem too proud to answer them? This is a warning sign. You’ll want a company that’s easy to work with and responsive to your requests during and after the painting project.

Step 5: Check Their References

It’s easy for companies to add fake reviews to business websites these days. Research the interior painting company’s references before you make any final decisions. You’ll thank yourself later. Dishonesty is all too prevalent these days, but there are great companies out there too.

Wrapping Up

You’re now empowered to choose with confidence. This fearlessness will work for you during and after the hiring process. You’ll know it did when you end up choosing the right company for interior painting services, and when you see the results. Remember, they are working for you. Don’t let them treat you rudely or keep you waiting for answers to your questions.

After all, getting a new coat of paint should be a fun, exciting experience. Your interior environment is important for your well-being. You don’t want to look at your walls and remember a poor experience. Stay uplifted by choosing wisely.

Contact us today and keep us on your shortlist for home or commercial business interior painting jobs. We look forward to giving you friendly, honest service at a fair price.

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Wall Painting 101- How the Pros Do It

Painting a wall seems easy. You buy some paint, use a brush, and just do it. If you ask the pros though, they’ll tell you these top wall painting secrets.

When painting, the color you choose can have a dramatic impact on your mood and overall feeling.

Studies have shown brighter colors can make people feel more upbeat, while darker colors can make you feel sad.

The color you choose to paint with is essential, but it’s only half the battle, to truly add to the ambiance of a room it must have a professional paint job.

Painting a room does seem like an easy task until you have paint streaks and botched layers. If you ask the professionals, they will give you these expert wall painting tips to make sure it comes out neat and elegant looking every time.Wall Painting

Wall Painting: An Experts Guide

Each painter has a particular way of painting that they believe to be the best. They all have specific brush techniques and methods of preparing that they perform time after time. How do we know what techniques are the best?

Follow along with this expert guide that is dedicated to helping you get the perfect paint job every time.

Preparation

When it comes to preparing to paint a wall, you can look at like preparing for war. It is one of the most critical steps to make sure you get the perfect paint job. If you miss a step or get lazy, you might have paint leak through your barriers, and that’s a big problem.

So its best to put in the work, in the beginning, to make sure the rest of the process is smooth sailing.

First, you should inspect the walls to make sure they are not any holes, cracks, or rough spots. If you find holes, make sure to fill them in along with any cracks. If you have paint that’s chipping, you can go ahead and peel it away. Any spots you find can be easily cleaned with a non-toxic cleaner.

Make sure to lightly sand down any rough spots you find to ensure you have a clean, smooth surface to work with.

Protect Your Assets

When you are finished preparing the wall, its time to move on to taping. To make sure your painting tape holds, its recommended to get a high-quality tape such as frog tape. You can then go along baseboards, molding, doors, window frames, light fixtures, and switch plates.

When it comes to taping, the better edge you create, the better the results will be in the end. Don’t skimp out on the taping portion.

Next, move any furniture in the area if you can to another room. If moving the furniture to another room isn’t an option, make sure to cover it with a plastic throw.

When you feel comfortable with your furniture being protected, throw a drop cloth down on the floors to protect them as well.

Time to Begin Painting

Time to open up the paint can and begin painting. It is a smart idea to pour the paint into a ramp. The ramp helps when painting a wall to ensure the paint is evenly distributed throughout the entire wall.

An important thing to keep in mind when choosing a roller is to look for one that has “shedless” on the label. A shedless roller is higher quality and will make sure you don’t have any unwanted fibers coming off the roller and sticking to the wall.

When you begin to paint, starting at the top and working your way down is the proper way to paint a wall. It is best to work on the ceiling first and work your way down from there.

Technique, Technique, Technique

The technique is what separates the professionals from amateurs. One of the techniques professionals use is called “cutting in.” This technique helps protect the trim and edges by painting straight lines alongside them, eliminating the need to go over it multiple times.

With the cutting in process, you paint the top and bottom first using straight lines and then fill in the middle using a roller.

Another technique that professionals use is called keeping a “wet edge.” This technique involves keeping the “cut in” portion wet to maintain the working area of the wall.

If you do not keep a wet edge while painting, it will give the wall different layers, and ruin the look of it.

Using these professional painting tips will help maintain a professional look while also maximizing efficiency.

Wrapping up

While you finish up your painting job, it is essential to remember the job isn’t finished quite yet. It is recommended not to touch freshly painted walls for at least 2 hours after you finish. It is best if you can leave it overnight to avoid any unwanted streaks.

If possible, you can leave the windows open to help circulate the air.  If it is humid outside, it is not recommended to open the windows.

When the humidity is high, the air contains more water vapors and can affect the finish of your paint job. Due to the increased moisture in the air, the paint can take longer to dry as well.

When finished with your tools, it is recommended to soak them in hot or warm water to get the excess paint off. Most paint will come right off with a little water because many paints are water-based in this day in age.

If needed, you can use a little bit of mild soap for stubborn paint that won’t come off. Cleaning your tools immediately after your finished ensures you keep the integrity of the tools, and they will be ready to use for your next paint job.

When finished with your paint, you can put the lid back on with a little tap from a hammer. Make sure the cover is on tight, and paint can last up to another two years once opened.

When The Professionals Are Needed

After reading through this guide, you will have learned how to properly paint a wall. Keep in mind though some paint jobs are harder than others, don’t get discouraged if you have a massive project.

That is what the professionals are here for, if you need assistance with wall painting, contact us today, and we can help.

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Need Bathroom Paint Inspiration? 15 Small Bathroom Paint Color Ideas

According to USA Today, your bathroom should be repainted every three to four years. Between the moisture buildup and constant activity, those walls need a little extra attention.

If you need a little inspiration, we have you covered. Here are our 15 best small bathroom paint color ideas. With this list, you can transform your bathroom with the latest looks.

Keep reading for a rainbow’s worth of small bathroom paint ideas!

  1. Dusty Blue

Your new bathroom paint color doesn’t have to go straight for intense shades. Instead, this cool gray-blue can add a little extra to your white tiles and countertops.

As your exploring these small bathroom paint color ideas, consider making other updates to your bathroom as well. A new mirror or different accents can complement dusty blue’s cool tones for a clean but balanced look.

  1. Griege

This color is picking up popularity for bathrooms as well as living rooms.

For a superhero paint color combo, beige and gray unite to bring you griege. This color can add new depth to your previously all-white walls.

It can also give other rooms throughout your household a neutral backdrop.

If you aren’t ready for a bold color, try griege instead. While providing an alternative to basic white, this color can inspire some creative small bathroom color schemes.

Try complementing it with a seafoam blue or goldenrod. With this neutral tone, there’s no limit to the possibilities!

  1. Vintage Velvet

Want to go bold instead of neutral? Vintage velvet can give you that depth you’re searching for.

This color adds a pop of glamor and drama to even the smallest bathroom. In addition to adding depth, this is a fun color that lets you get a little adventurous with your bathroom makeover.

You can also expand on that depth with the right lighting. If you can’t let the sunshine in, try adding light instead. Strategically placing sconces by the mirror or a dramatic overhead light can give your bathroom the additional depth you’re looking for.

If you’re unsure about choosing a bold color, grab a paint sample. Don’t be afraid to explore your options before making a big color commitment.

  1. Charming Pink

Indulge in a sweeter color like charming pink for your next bathroom upgrade. Unlike silly pink shades, this powder pink keeps your bathroom from looking childish.

Rather, this hue uses a slightly muted color to add a grown-up appeal to your bathroom walls. This color is airy and light, making even the smallest bathroom look open and inviting.

If you’re exploring small bathroom color schemes, consider pairing this pink with a charcoal gray or deep brown.

These pairings will add a level of sophistication to your small bathroom.

  1. Deep Navy

Looking for another bold option? Deep navy or midnight blues can add that flare of drama you’re looking for.

You can use this tool from Sherwin-Williams to “paint” your bathroom. That way, you have an actual visual of how these small bathroom paint color ideas will work in your own bathroom.

Deep navy can add depth to your bathroom. Complete this paint shade with white, gold, and a pop of pink to really make the room shine.

  1. Cerulean

If you’re looking for a blue between deep navy and aqua-sphere, try cerulean.

This watery blue is reminiscent of beach waves and pool days. Complement this color with a pop of sunshine yellow or white for balance.

  1. Requisite Gray

Balance this soothing color with pale pink or green linens with white accents to broaden the room.

Don’t limit yourself to these small bathroom paint color ideas. Consider updating your home’s exterior with the latest styles as well!

  1. Mint

This unity of blue, gray, and green works for any room. If your bathroom brings in a lot of sunlight, mint is great for keeping the room cool, too.

  1. Periwinkle

Periwinkle marries blue and purple for a subtle, soothing effect. Find a shade with a hint of gray to give the room a grown-up feel.

  1. Neutral Ground

If you’re looking for a color that complements your bathroom’s existing accessories and linens, try a neutral beige and taupe.

This color offers a simple color backdrop to your bathroom. That way, items within the rest of the room really pop against the walls. Neutral ground also adds enough warmth to balance the existing white and silver fixtures in most bathrooms.

Using that balance of warm and cool colors, you can make your small bathroom look a lot bigger, too!

  1. Stormy Blue

For a bathroom with copper, add this navy shade for the best balance. Try it on a statement wall if you’re worried the room will appear too dark.

  1. Ancient Marble

An alternative to mint, this green-gray color gives your bathroom a natural look. This rock-like neutral color is a great option among cool hues.

  1. Hunter Green

If you want to go down the boho haven route, trying hunter green on for size. This color offers a shade of gorgeous emerald to your bathroom walls.

Pair this color with two white walls to offer balance to the room. Alternating walls is as also a great way from using a bold color that feels too heavy for the entire bathroom.

You can use a single statement wall as well, matched with fixtures, a rug, and hardwood floors to completely transform your tiny bathroom.

  1. Peachy Pink

Choose a grown-up pink with this peachy shade. This color option adds playfulness and a flare of glam to any size bathroom.

  1. Aqua-Sphere

Spa blue hues allow homeowners to give their bathrooms a soothing, seaside vibe. This pale blue will add airiness to your bathroom as well, making the space feel more open.

Whether the room has access to natural light or you add new sconces, this color helps light bounce throughout the room.

Complement this pale blue hue with a soothing white or sandy shade to complete the room’s beach vibes.

Spruce it Up: 15 Small Bathroom Paint Color Ideas

With these 15 small bathroom paint color ideas, you can transform your bathroom with the latest tried-and-true picks.

Discover the benefits of our painting services and get started on updating your bathroom today!

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The New & ‘Improved’ Harding’s

It’s been a fun few months at Harding’s, rethinking what we are and how we adapt to an ever changing market along with the needs and requirements of our clients.

With that in mind we’ve made some big changes! First, the name, we are now Harding’s – Your Improvement Company with all of our same great services and a few more added for fun! Second, the logo has changed to reflect our new name. A simple, direct approach to let you know exactly what we are at a first glance. The new logo will be rolled out digitally as soon as possible and over the coming months on static materials. 

We look forward to continuing to serve the Calgary area, not only as Calgary’s premiere painting company but as your choice in all home and commercial improvement projects, as well as all of your cleaning requirements.

​​Window cleaning, pressure washing, snow removal, Handyman, renovations

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I’d like to introduce myself…….

Every once in awhile you come across someone or a group that is so passionate for their craft, that you just have to share it. This is the one of the many things like I enjoy about my new position as President at Harding’s. Our entire team of Licensee’s has a passionate dedication to their craft and to our clients experience.

After 16 years in the franchise business, I chose to tackle a different realm altogether. I think my previous role(s) have prepped me perfectly for this job. My passion for my own craft and the mastery of it drove me to find a role where like minded people could collaborate together to build upon a great foundation like Harding’s. Harding’s started in Midnapore, Calgary in 1996 by Dalton Harding. Dalton grew the business to include many painters that were passionate about the mastery of their own craft. Today we have grown to 9 residential painters, a commercial painting division, a cleaning division, an exterior cleaning/maintenance division along with ceiling texturing, renovations and a professional handyman service.

Many of the painters that started with Dalton have stayed “on board” (haha, a little joke about my past) and bought into the business that they now task me to operate. I look forward to many years of growing and learning the Home Improvement businesses we have established.

Check out one of our licensee’s talk about his passion here.

Rob Hilditch, President of Harding’s

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