When you’re taking on a DIY painting project, it’s important to set realistic expectations for how long it will take. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the time commitment involved in painting a typical room:

1. Preparation work (2-4 hours)

The time it takes to prep a room for painting shouldn’t be underestimated. You’ll need to start by clearing the room of furniture, covering the floor with a tarp or cloth, and taping off the trim, windows, and door frames. If the walls have any imperfections, such as cracks or holes, you’ll need to fill them in and sand the area smooth. Sanding down walls and filling cracks are important steps that can take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on the condition of the walls.

2. Priming the walls (1-2 hours)

Priming is one of the keys to achieving flawless results. If you’re painting over a dark or bold colour, priming the walls is a necessary step to ensure the new paint colour looks its best. Applying a primer adds an additional hour or two to your project. Primer also helps the paint adhere better and last longer, reducing the likelihood of peeling or chipping later on.

3. Painting the walls (4-6 hours)

Once the prep work is done, it’s time to paint. Depending on the size of the room and the type of paint you’re using, this can take anywhere from four to six hours. Multiple coats of paint may be needed to achieve the desired coverage and colour intensity. Be sure to allow sufficient drying time between coats, usually a couple of hours.

4. Touch-up and clean-up (1-2 hours)

After the final coat of paint is dry, you’ll want to inspect the room for any missed spots or areas that need a touch-up. This includes removing tape from the trim and window frames, as well as any paint splatters that may have occurred. The clean-up process, including washing brushes and trays, can take another hour or so.

In total, painting a room yourself could take anywhere from eight to twelve hours, spread over a day or two, depending on how many coats are needed and how meticulous you are with the prep and touch-up work.

How long does it take to paint a room with professionals?

If you’re short on time or simply want to ensure the best possible outcome, hiring a professional painter might be the right choice for you. Our professional house painters bring the experience and expertise needed to get the job done efficiently and with flawless results. You are also assured that we will paint your home professionally.

1. Initial consultation and prep (1-2 hours)

Our professional team will typically start by getting an obligation-free quote and assessing the room to be painted. This process usually takes an hour or two and involves discussing your colour choices, assessing the condition of the walls, and determining the amount of prep work needed.

2. Prep work by professionals (1-2 hours)

Our painters will handle all the prep work, including pressure washing surfaces, sanding walls, and taping off areas. This is a critical step that can make or break the final appearance of the paint job. Since we come in as a team, this phase is often quicker than if you were doing it yourself, taking about one to two hours.

3. Painting the room (3-5 hours)

With the right tools and experience, our professional painters can typically complete the painting process faster than a DIYer. Painting the entire room might take around three to five hours, depending on the size of the room and the number of coats required. Our painters are skilled at applying paint evenly and efficiently, reducing the need for multiple touch-ups.

4. Final touches and clean-Up (1-2 hours)

Once the paint is dry, our professionals will inspect their work, make any necessary touch-ups, and clean up the space. This includes removing all protective coverings, wiping down surfaces, and ensuring that no imperfections remain. The entire process, from start to finish, can be completed in a single day, saving you the time and hassle of a multi-day project.

Is it worth the time it takes to paint a room?

Painting a room can be a satisfying project if you choose to do it yourself or call in the pros. The time it takes to paint a room depends on various factors, including the room size, the condition of the walls, the type of paint, and whether you opt for a DIY approach or professional help.

For those who enjoy the process and have the time, DIY painting can be a rewarding experience that allows for creative control over the final outcome. However, if you’re looking to save time or don’t have the time and you want a professional finish, hiring experienced painters might be a better option for your painting needs.

Regardless of the approach you choose, planning and preparation are key to achieving a flawless result. Remember, the time you invest in prep work and choosing the right materials will pay off in terms of the quality and durability of your paint job. Even if it takes a few hours or a full weekend, the end result will be a beautifully painted room that you can enjoy for years to come.

At Final Finish Painting, we are Dulux-accredited painters with the experience to get the job done. If you need to paint your house or multiple rooms, we are more than ready to put our rollers to good use. Contact us today to get the painting you’d prefer in your room.