order of painting a room?
#1
01-13-16, 10:40 AM
order of painting a room?
Hi all,
I've watched a few videos on painting a room, but nothing I've seen explicitly states the order in which to paint a room, especially taking into account a second/third coat. Especially when choosing between a second coat on the ceiling, or moving straight to a first coat on the walls
After the first coat on the ceiling, my plan is to let it dry, before doing a second coat on the ceiling. This will be followed by two coats on the walls, and finally 2 on the skirting/woodwork. Would that be correct?
A quick sub-question: Should I be "cutting in" on both coats, on all surfaces, or just before the first full coat?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Rakesh.
I've watched a few videos on painting a room, but nothing I've seen explicitly states the order in which to paint a room, especially taking into account a second/third coat. Especially when choosing between a second coat on the ceiling, or moving straight to a first coat on the walls
After the first coat on the ceiling, my plan is to let it dry, before doing a second coat on the ceiling. This will be followed by two coats on the walls, and finally 2 on the skirting/woodwork. Would that be correct?
A quick sub-question: Should I be "cutting in" on both coats, on all surfaces, or just before the first full coat?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Rakesh.
#2
01-13-16, 10:47 AM
Group Moderator
I like your plan - top down so any spills are on areas not yet painted.
I cut in on all coats but see what others have to say about that.
I cut in on all coats but see what others have to say about that.
#3
01-13-16, 11:10 AM
Not a painter by trade, but have done more than enough of it, and your plan is sound to me. The only exception is that, unless it's a first time ever surface, or has other extenuating circumstances, I am generally satisfied with one coat. And I always cut the corners, although in a case like this, doing the ceiling then the walls, I hasten it along a bit, and am not as fussy about getting brush marks from the ceiling on the walls.
#4
01-13-16, 11:29 AM
I always do the ceiling first for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that the wall color will probably be darker & easy to cover the white paint that I get on the walls. It's also faster that way.
I usually roll the walls before I do the cuts. Again, I think it's faster. Once I had a problem where the cut's didn't match what I rolled. That's when I had to do the cuts first.
I usually roll the walls before I do the cuts. Again, I think it's faster. Once I had a problem where the cut's didn't match what I rolled. That's when I had to do the cuts first.
#5
01-13-16, 11:37 AM
Hmmm... That's interesting. Never seen anyone suggest doing the cutting-in second. Your rationale does make sense. Rolls close are you can, then just fill-in the gaps at the end... Thanks for that.
Last edited by RakeshS; 01-13-16 at 02:00 PM.
#6
01-13-16, 11:46 AM
The correct way to cut and roll is to cut in first, then roll BUT the reverse is often faster and with most flat latex paints that aren't any darker than a medium pastel that works fine.
If I'm applying 2 coats to both the ceiling and walls, I'll generally 1st coat the ceiling and then 1st coat the walls while the ceiling is drying ..... unless there are other things to do while the 1st coat on the ceiling is drying.
If there is crown molding I'll paint it prior to the final coat on the walls, same for windows and door casings. The baseboard gets painted last.
If I'm applying 2 coats to both the ceiling and walls, I'll generally 1st coat the ceiling and then 1st coat the walls while the ceiling is drying ..... unless there are other things to do while the 1st coat on the ceiling is drying.
If there is crown molding I'll paint it prior to the final coat on the walls, same for windows and door casings. The baseboard gets painted last.
#7
01-13-16, 06:05 PM
Thank for that, Marksr. Why is is the "cutting-in first" method considered right? I'll be painting in White and Magnolia... Do you think there'd be any noticeable difference with those colours?
I have 3 rooms to do, all in the same colour scheme, so I guess I'll just move from ceiling, to ceiling, to ceiling, then back for the second coat. I'll do likewise for the walls.
Do most people remove radiators, paint behind them, then refit them, or is there another way to do it?
Thanks,
Rak.
I have 3 rooms to do, all in the same colour scheme, so I guess I'll just move from ceiling, to ceiling, to ceiling, then back for the second coat. I'll do likewise for the walls.
Do most people remove radiators, paint behind them, then refit them, or is there another way to do it?
Thanks,
Rak.
#8
01-13-16, 07:24 PM
Just saw the Idaho Painter say that he'll roll the walls first, then do cut-ins, then go back and roll the walls for a second coat, whilst the cut-ins are still wet... Might give that a go 
#9
01-14-16, 02:42 AM
Brush and roller each leave a different texture behind. Sometimes that 'texture' difference is noticeable. Rolling as close to the ceiling, next wall, etc. minimizes that difference. Sometimes cutting in once and rolling twice will work but a lot is dependent on how well the paint covers. You haven't gained anything if you can see thru the cut in here and yonder.
Radiators are rarely removed for painting - just not cost effective. Usually we'll take a mini roller to get as much of the wall behind the radiator as we can. They are also called cigar rollers.
Radiators are rarely removed for painting - just not cost effective. Usually we'll take a mini roller to get as much of the wall behind the radiator as we can. They are also called cigar rollers.
