How to Paint A Room Fast Like A Pro (Tips for Beginners)

In this video, I show you tips and techniques that teach you how to paint your room or house better and faster than ever before. These are painting hacks that actually work! This is a complete beginners guide to painting.
Tools and Products used in this video (affiliate links):
18in Roller Frame amzn.to/31rHENQ
Extension Pole amzn.to/2Ou8Xlc
18in Roller Cover amzn.to/3bicYD1
Purdy Paint Brush amzn.to/31vHapU
Purdy (small) roller amzn.to/2GVTc2k
Paint Cup amzn.to/2OuDDD5
Round Sander amzn.to/31rQWJJ
Sand Paper amzn.to/31yLhSe
www.SgtDonovan.com
www.GuardianKY.com

[@johnhighstreet5199]

Another tip is to soak your brush in water before you start, then spin it dry, this keeps the paint from setting up in the ferrule and you can paint longer before having to clean it.

[@JamieR2077]

Oh man I'll have to try that!

[@jackedkerouac4414]

Can you please elaborate on spin it dry?

[@johnhighstreet5199]

@Jacked Kerouac yeah, the device you cram the handle in, it has an 18" spiral metal thing that spins the brush dry, if I had internet, I'd paste a picture, but the snow has knocked it out.

[@davehall3351]

Or spirits if using oil paint. Great trick.

[@jekyll_eth]

🤣....signed, actual painter

[@kittygumdrop7442]

Everyone thinks they can cut near the trim and ceiling like a pro without tape, but I've been in too many rentals that prove that yall are NOT pros lol. That is a learned art that comes with a lot of practice and a steady hand. You can tell this guy has done this a lot. Good tips.

[@darknewt9959]

Came to say same. Tips for beginners [immediately starts cutting in without taping lol]

[@deerheart87]

Yes ​@@darknewt9959

[@bunlady1979]

i must admit its me that does all the paint edging because my husband cannot do it even after 20 years of us decorating the house. Some people never get the hang of it and have shaky hands. I love doing edging without tape and never get it messed up but people shouldn't feel embarrassed amount slapping that tape on for a neat job.

[@fairamir1]

When painting rentals the cutting in does not need to be perfect

[@leew878]

Am I the only one that saw him get paint on the baseboard. Dude should use tape

[@FrancisRoyCA]

I'm a reasonably experienced painter. This video is excellent in that it explains the techniques simply and in order. "Roll one-back, two-forward" is excellent. If I were to add a couple things it would be to teach the unload-and-spread technique, that is dump the paint from your brush, then use the last 1/4 inch of the long side of the brush to spread in the cut corner, while gliding on the smooth dump, and then taper the bottom of the cut. The other would be before applying a cut, breath in, and exhale while using your shoulder to cut, not your wrists. Shoulders are simple and stable, makes for straight lines. Wrists are complex and short, makes for wavy lines. A cut should be about as wide as your body and not much more. Breath in, hold, dump, drag up, draw with your shoulder as you exhale, and end on a taper at the end. My two cents aside, this is the best video tutorial on painting that I've run into, over many years. Subscribed.

[@amiraaqeel5983]

Hi dear expert please give me your opinion as I have a wall plum colour painted I want to turn it in rust colour, what is the best way, shall I put rust colour straight away or something else first . Thank you

[@Nick-zp2de]

@@amiraaqeel5983 If anything just prime it.

[@bignorwegian]

@@amiraaqeel5983 Plum is a hard color to cover; either prime it first, like Nick suggests, or plan on using at least three (3) coats of your new color.

[@amiraaqeel5983]

@@bignorwegian thank you so much for your help

[@c.m.4686]

I like your Yoga inspired painting tip - Breathe through the cut!

[@juliedobson3039]

Another good hack I saw was to put your paint tray into a plastic bag ,then pour the paint onto the lined tray, clean up just remove the bag off the clean tray underneath 👍

[@aimeehardin1299]

I think you mean put a plastic bag (trash bag since grocery sacks often have holes) onto the paint tray.

[@juliedobson3039]

@@aimeehardin1299 not in Australia 🤣

[@emilyc9380]

Doesn’t work

[@Lex_Koncord]

We do this with ziploc quart size bags, works perfectly

[@juliedobson3039]

@@emilyc9380 you’re not doing it right ? 🤣 just put your paint tray inside a plastic bag ( no holes) pour the paint over the lined tray remove tray from used bag….clean tray 👍

[@stevehayes6911]

For cutting in i simply use a plaster trowel. hold in place and paint along and wipe, Perfect line every time. 👌

[@fairamir1]

And it leaves a small part of the wall next to the ceiling unpainted

[@Pagingnursejackie]

@@fairamir1every time!

[@fairamir1]

And that is NOT a good thing.. no original color should ever be showing@@Pagingnursejackie

[@kassandramcpherson2839]

@@fairamir1second coat is where he brings it all the way to the ceiling. No color shows through

[@fairamir1]

I was referrring to the guy that uses the plastic trowel...@@kassandramcpherson2839

[@kaymack5304]

I’ve painted many rooms in my life and watched a lot of painting videos so I didn’t expect to learn anything new. Boy was I wrong! You have actually made me excited to start some jobs I’ve been putting off.

[@nozinhlencube6445]

L

[@nicoashley906]

Me too. I’m painting tomorrow…just got to figure out what.

[@CARLIN4737]

its actually not that good? its done out of sequence. Gloss work should be last.

[@mightymoon420]

Welcome to the world Patrick ⭐ 😂

[@mm-tc3kt]

Yours is an excellent tutorial: well-paced, detailed, laden with cautionary advice, devoid of superfluous content, only as long as necessary. Thanks!

[@louisefromNY]

I agree

[@tycox8704]

I’m relieved to see that you demonstrated steps that promote quality results. Anyone can paint a room fast. Few paint well…including today’s so-called professionals.

[@_tim]

I really like the 1/8th gap idea for cutting in on the first coat. Makes a lot of sense.

[@patriarchmike]

I'm a pro residential custom painter and I approve this guy's methods. He does everything that I do except a few small things. Such as that I will cut in perfect lines the first coat then cut 1/8" below the perfect line on the second coat (because one thick well applied coat of good paint is often sufficient for most repaints). Also, I keep my brushes wrapped in plastic to keep them wet until the job is done or I'm switching paints and need the brush. I don't like using a wet or damp brush as it can compromise the form of the bristles. I do however recommend that angle sash brush by purdy. Its call high capacity and I like using those of any size, anywhere from 2" - 3" for most applications. Pros typically have at least one brush of each size. 4" flat wall brush for wide areas or siding exterior. 3.5" angle brush for exterior trim or wide interior trim. 3" angle brush for most exterior trim and cutting in walls. A 2.5" angle sash for cutting in walls and most average size trim. A 2" angle sash for smaller prices of trim molding, windows and tight wall cuts between trim and inside wall corners. A 1.5" brush, a 1" brush and a set of artist brushes will also be useful on occasion I do also use that 18" Purdy roller frame and I wrap my rollers in plastic too, but instead I use a 1/2" nap on most walls and just backroll it for a perfect texture. It's faster than doing all that dipping you need to do with a thinner nap like a 3/8" because you will want to backroll either way so may as well dip fewer times. It goes on thicker much faster and will look better because it's easier to keep the whole wall wet the entire time you're saturating the wall. You don't want to be fighting with half dry paint where you started once you start to backroll

[@Gi1b2bz]

would you paint the door trims, window trims and baseboards BEFORE painting the walls, or after?

[@Paulie1978100]

Yes my brother, I do exactly the same, get perfect lines the first cut, an cut under 1/8" the second. + 1 on the nap of the roller. I'm professionally decorating for 23 years and to be perfectly honest, I love it. love the trade, great fun with the crew on site too. 👍🏽

[@Paulie1978100]

@@Gi1b2bz When using acrylic wood paint, I paint the trims first, then do the walls then final coat on trim.

[@TomFeddorRealtor]

I’ve been painting for many years, my dad originally taught me how to paint but never passed on a lot of these helpful tips. Thank you for your video, I’m starting a new job today and will employ these super handy tips.

[@sdb6757]

A tip you might try that I like…I prefer to tape the baseboard, then paint a ‘whisper’ coat on the tape and wall with very little paint on the brush. This creates a light seal between the tape and walls. Then apply final full coat, remove tape before final coat dries, you’ll have a perfect straight line with no bleeding under the tape.

[@jotompsett5025]

Best tip ever! As I was about to paint a bedroom I tried this out top and bottom of walls, and wow, absolutely no bleed under the masking tape and razor sharp lines. Only used about a teaspoon of paint for the whole room for my “whisper” coat. Wish I had read this years ago, would have saved so much time touching up areas that bled. I’m surprised this isn’t included in the masking tape instructions.

[@janie3117]

I always get bleed through with tape! My quick go to now is, I rip off the cardboard top cover from a spiral notebook, and I just hold it against the trim and can paint right across it. Then I move over and do another section and another. I go through a few of them, but way easier and quicker than tape

[@Gi1b2bz]

would you paint, door trims, window trims and baseboard BEFORE painting a wall, or after?

[@sdb6757]

@@Gi1b2bz definitely before

[@tomk427]

​@@sdb6757I've always heard the opposite. Walls and ceilings first then gloss work on wooden trims and skirting.

[@louisefromNY]

Wowza! Finally an explanatory video that I can do! This HAS to be the BEST video on KZbin! I have learned so much! I’m a widow. I want to paint my LR, BR, and DR. My husband used to paint everything. I am so glad to finally find a good tutorial on walls, rollers and brushes. Thank you!

[@dv8kiwi]

Ive renovated many homes, and found myself watching this and STILL learning something thank you.... now.... I want a 18 inch roller... off to Wattyl I go :)

[@joeycmore]

Definitely good advice. After 35 years, allow me to offer some improvement: 1) after dipping your brush do NOT wipe all sides, thus removing paint, instead gently tap the brush against the side of the can which will prevent dripping but give plenty more paint for cutting (2) hold the brush higher up the stem and allow the brush to "do the work" -a good brush will follow your lead allowing for longer strokes, (3) do NOT cut any lines twice, if you're painting the baseboard later (and the color difference isn't extreme) then just paint over it and make your line later when cutting the trim etc, even if tape is necessary (4) don't "force" the roller... do NOT bend your back up and down with the stick but instead adjust the height and distance you stand to where your arms can reach from top to bottom without stretching, this alone will dramatically increase speed, (5) do NOT "stretch" the paint out on the roller -always keep a reasonable amount of paint on it even though this seems slower and harder.

[@theondebray]

Best comment here.

[@sterlingnorins9236]

Absolutely agree, especially about wiping the bristles. If the bristles are splayed so much that’s needed stop and clean the brush. Also, quality and appropriate roller covers and brushes are key. Purdy and Wooster are basic & overpriced. The Arroworthy Barracuda roller frame is a game changer.

[@sterlingnorins9236]

Dip, dip: tap, tap is the best way to load. Choosing angle sash vs oval vs round brush esp for cut ins is crucial. Choosing woven vs microfiber vs shag roller covers is too. Arroworthy Barracuda frames, ProForm & Premier roller frames are game changers.

[@sampierceB]

I’m a pro painter and I can say these are all spot on. Great work!

[@TopGFPV]

I mean yes and no

[@bizquitia3252]

Hey man, I’m a young man and I’m planning on creating a painting business. Do you have any tips on how to learn or where to go to learn?

[@RackwitzG]

@@bizquitia3252 KZbin

[@Gi1b2bz]

Would you paint door trims, window trims and baseboards BEFORE painting the walls, or after?

[@leew878]

@@Gi1b2bzI’ve always heard paint walls first but painting trim first is 100% easier but I guess it’s going to boil down to preference

[@trishm5805]

This video addressed just about every problem I've faced as a newbie DIY painter. Thank you so much!

[@kristygertson215]

I've watched about 50 painting videos today and this is the first one that explains how to "load" the brush (which I didn't know)! Best video I've seen so far. Thanks for the tips!

[@soniawoods8472]

I am 66yrs have painted a few walls you make progress look so much easier and gives you a sort of confidence that work will be done so much better your tall an strong make short work of the job Thank you for your help teaching us old timers never to late to teach an old dog new tricks Just about to paint my flat!

[@theneoamps]

Thank you Mister for all your helpful videos. I really admire your patience while doing the job. I gotta work on that.

[@tonivanwynsberghe1157]

For the paint bucket the brush is used in, I always put in a ziplock bag, tape around the overhang and when not using you can then zip up the bag to save your paint till needed again. Never have to clean your bucket after either!

[@CARLIN4737]

its for diyers leave any oil based gloss etc to dry out and water based just wash out.

[@louisamorgan5150]

I've just painted my kitchen ceiling 6 times and there are still patches. It wasn't fun and I've lost the will to live.

[@clinkclunk]

For me it's my baseboards. Cheap wood with a terrible landlord letting the place go is not fun, let me tell you what.

[@USSOBRIEN]

Thanks brother! Used to be a Deck Seaman on a Navy ship, so I'm no stranger to paint. But I want to thank you for how straight to the point your directions are. Trying to be as thorough as I can be the 1st time around. Lord knows painting a ship ain't the same as painting a room in a house. Thank you once again.

[@stevenseymour4372]

I watched a few tips on KZbin about prepping a room for painting but not like this one this dude hit it spot on man this is the video I'd recommend for any diy

[@keithrog73]

I appreciate you taking the time to make this video. There's a lot of good tips here!

[@mitchfountain6523]

Been painting for 50 years and learned about five new things with this video. Thanks so much!

[@lindamcginnis5741]

This video is so helpful. This will save me hours and mess! Thank you.

[@melaniegardner8766]

I learned so much from this video. Thank you, Sgt. Donovan!

[@thewillsfamilyaccount6486]

So relaxing watching this! Strange.. love it! Nicely done!😊

[@DannyDangerOz]

Thanks for that. I especially like the advice on cutting in on the second coat.

[@johnagorman]

Fantastic information. I've painted a lot of houses over the years. And I've watched a lot of KZbin videos about it. You added a lot and really appreciate it. Like cutting in the lines 1/8 of an inch away the first time so that the second pass is easy. Thank you

[@AnthonyFrancisJones]

Excellent! Thanks for this. Makes a change from seeing painters with clothes covered in paint. You make it look tidy and easy!

[@Teri1755]

Excellent. Great tips! I’m so glad I watched this before I started painting my bathroom.

[@juliosanchez3678]

I've watched many videos for different projects, this one was really good and my favorite. Detailed and thorough. Good job!

[@veronicavids]

Great tips! I'm not looking forward to painting my bedroom this weekend but I'm excited to get it done

[@catlover47842]

The only thing I didnt know was the round sander. Wow it seems to go round so much neater than a square one! And heck - did that 18 inch roller go FAST!!! I love it!!! Thanks a lot for pointing it out to us :D

[@MisterIm313]

Amazingly simple and informative video. Thank you.

[@ParisPaintPros]

Awesome demonstration and some great gems you dropped!

[@Ash-ol3ji]

This is immensely helpful! Thank you!

[@kristenlivermore2251]

This is the best painting video I’ve seen. Thank you for making this!

[@LifeInMontana]

Thanks Sgt Donovan. I will use the 18” from now on. Good teaching. Semper Fidelis!

[@rachelreichert1966]

Thank you so much! I’m painting our nursery today and this really helps 😄 I feel much more prepared. You are a very skilled painter!

[@kenth151]

This is an excellent video. Concise and to the point. He did a great job of explaining the benefits of a 18 inch roller.

[@laurastone6578]

Even if you are using latex paint?

[@sparksoflight9045]

Great advice. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

[@jbwentworthe6082]

This is very helpful - did not even know about the wider roller - thank you for posting !

[@kar3m3]

This is EXACTLY how I do my paint jobs. And I’m not saying my way is the right way but it seems to work well. Glad to find other painters who paint alike!! Really enjoyed this video. Thank you!!

[@masonmccoll7170]

Wow! Lots of great tips here. I worked as a painter for many years and was mostly self-taught (through lots of mistakes). I learned a few new tricks in this video that I am looking forward to trying.. Thank you!

[@sarahgray8179]

Dance

[@andyespenan5919]

Going to be painting our theater room soon and man am i going to have to get one of those 18" rollers! Seems like that is going to be a huge difference and love how you explain the pressure related to the 9". Thanks for the info.I like to use a cheap shampoo/conditioner(suave) once brush is clean and it really makes it silky soft.

[@moua0067]

18" rollers were a total gamechanger for us. Been using them for the past year or 2.

[@vivianeb90]

Excellent video with lots of great tips and technique. It all makes a lot of sense.

[@islandblue7]

This is awesome!! Wish I had watched this before I painted my room last night 😅 Thank you in advance for the next project!

[@ChristopherMcGlone]

Been painting for a year now and just wanted to see what others thought on the best way on how to paint a room. This video is great! 🎉🎉🎉

[@GnarLeeReality]

This guy! Great video man, thank you for all the tips. I've painted about two dozen rooms and a ton of outdoor things, you just blew my mind like 6 times, and I was skeptical lol, thanks for all the useful knowledge sir! Make more videos!!!

[@mgweir3252]

Another good tip is when dealing with inside corners and textured walls and ceilings, a smoothed bead of painter's caulk will give you a clean line in the corner.

[@berr644]

I've seen that look and really do not care for it. The caulk screams look at me I'm a white line. Where I've seen it, the walls were not textured, so that may make a difference.

[@pegstervegas]

Great video. Possibly the best how to paint one Ive seen. And I’ve watched a lot of them!

[@artgirl7649]

Thanks so much. The tips on painting near the ceiling, painting around outlets, etc. first, and then wrapping with Saran are going to help me loads. I had to see some dud videos before I found yours. ☺️

[@lindaarsenault3223]

This is the BEST painting tips and tricks video. Really well done. Thank you

[@SgtDonovan]

Thanks!

[@marks4470]

You didn’t lay off the paint.

[@loatatuikaba918]

This is very helpful.thank you!

[@freidrichnietzsche6643]

Good video. Makes cutting in without tape look easier than it actually is. 18” roller is a game changer.

[@marydoan6831]

I'm learning. Thank you for helping me.

[@MsJhonice]

Thank you for sharing! I just moved into my condo and I am painting the entire thing. This was so insightful as I was dreading the thought, but now the task seems more manageable and I'm getting excited to begin.

[@straightoutofstrat8722]

Thank you for your professional tips really appreciate it.

[@patburke5740]

I would say this is the best painting tips and tricks I've ever seen, lots of knowledge shared in this video. Hello from ireland.

[@carolejackson8357]

Thank you. Great tips. All the Sherwin-Williams I've used for the interior of my home only required one coat. And that's with textured walls. Knock-down texture.

[@brandypriddy9994]

Exactly the color I want to paint over, with a beautiful color I also had in mind! 😮

[@markabradley]

so well explained. great tutorial!

[@shaniaa9287]

Great tips. Thanks so much ❤❤❤

[@cardosoguitarra]

Great video! Amazing tips! Thanks! Keep up! 👏👏👏

[@beckwil0852]

This was super helpful! Thank you!

[@nw7670]

Semper Fi! Thank you, this was helpful!

[@awalton9024]

That tip about clearing the walls made this video worth watching. All these years I've been painting with everything on the wall, pictures shelves, etc. But seriously there are a lot of good tips here.

[@goettling]

Amazing, I never knew the half of it. Thank you so much!

[@alyssamorgn]

My boyfriend and I are about to have to repaint the entire interior of a 2 story house ourselves (in a limited amount of time) that we're gonna be moving in to. 😬 We have a bit of experience with painting, but I came onto youtube in search of some helpful tips and tricks to try to make the process less painful.😅 Im very glad i came across this video! I took notes and will be back to rewatch right before we go to gather the materials and start painting! Thank you!!

[@Hannadayflo]

I'm excited for you both. Good luck!

[@alyssamorgn]

@Hannadayflo Thank you! We're very excited! We're currently in the painting process now and have been applying a lot of what I learned from this videos and others. It's definitely helped quite a bit! 😊

[@helend222]

Excellent advice. Thanks.

[@alishaygan9844]

THAT WAS A FANTASTIC TEACHING VIDEO. THANK YOU!!!

[@jbratt]

I have found the large rollers are awesome for ceilings but for walls the 9 inch has its advantages. Walls usually have a lot more “obstacles” and the 9 can require less cut in with the brush. I also prefer to paint out of a 5 gallon bucket with a screen. The screen works with the 9inch roller. Thank you for a well done video👍

[@CARLIN4737]

12 inch

[@michaelwpaulin4876]

Roller trays are a pain, Put a grid in a bucket and act like a Pro.,

[@stevenlenarduzzi5271]

You nailed it great video all the right advice well done fella

[@thatsridicurous3145]

Couple of good tips mate thanks Mick au

[@macl4ren]

Some great tips thanks. Things so obvious, that I'd never thought of.

[@Im4realtryme]

Wow! Never heard of it or thought about it. Will be painting my bathroom soon and this might be the trick.

[@CAROLAUVERT]

This was genuinely helpful!! Thank you!!

[@SgtDonovan]

Happy to help!

[@michaelkwaiser6798]

Thank you for the much needed guidance.

[@ParaBellum2024]

As a DIY painter, speed is not as important as getting a good finish, and these tips (especially leaving the 1/8" cutting-in gap) will surely help with that.

[@KingOfBanks]

These are pro-level tips, thanks!

[@LeviticusStroud]

Don't allow the paint to get that close to the ferrule. If it does, clean your brush immediately. Paint in the ferrule is the death knell of a brush, and wherever it is on the outside of the bristles, it will be further in on the inside. Store your brushes either pointing downwards or on their sides to prevent any moisture pushing back towards the ferrule whilst drying. If painting woodwork that edges on to a wall that is being painted (particularly window sills outside) do those first, and take the gloss past the wood and onto the wall as this will help form a seal against water ingress and similar. Emulsion is orders of magnitude easier to clean off of gloss than vice versa. When taking short breaks (eg to have lunch), you can load a brush with extra paint rather than clean it. This will prevent the paint drying on the bristles whilst you are away. A plastic bag around the bristles with an elastic band at the handle can help here. Obviously how long this will be effective depends on such things as type of paint, ambient temperature, etc

[@bignorwegian]

I wrap brushes and rollers in tin foil; stays wet for days.

[@wonderwhat4]

I'm not a pro painter but I like to paint once I get in painting mode. Thanks to your video I'm going to look into 18 inch roller since I'm going to paint the entire interior of my house while it's empty. Not going to do the ceilings though. They're good. Thanks for the tips.

[@D_Parks]

A freshly painted ceiling in a crisp ceiling white will definitely be important if you’re painting whole interior anyway.

[@AaaSWE]

That roller looks amazing.

[@tatianajacobs-croukamp6702]

Thanks for the great tips

[@rebeccahuber6893]

This was such an informative video , thank you !

[@MrCeora]

That was a good video. I learned a lot!

[@anastaciorojas7544]

Excellent information, ty. For sure I will follow your advice!

[@brendanryan8135]

Thankyou for your effort sharing these pro tips and we’ll thought out video 🙂

[@karenkreizel7292]

Very helpful ! Thank you

[@judichristopher4604]

EXCELLENT VIDEO Thank YOU for sharing this

[@kattym9345]

Thanks! Great video ... feel more confident now.

[@stormnurse7]

I loved this video. A lot of good stuff. Ty. I paint a lot but l have a lot to learn obviously. Going to start using that big roller for sure!

[@bignorwegian]

I've painted a few of my homes over the years (just finished painting the laundry room, yesterday), but still learned a couple of great tips from your video; I will use them when I do our master bath, next. Thanks for taking the time to create very useful content. Subscribed. Thank you for your service, Marine. Semper-Fi.

[@SupermanNew52]

Thank you both for your service.

[@NottyGurlStyle]

After seeing this I’m ready to paint my son’s room! I’m also going to invest in the roller too!

[@InAHandBasket]

Great tips! Getting ready to paint a new home and never would have known about leaving that small gap between ceiling and/or moulding on first coat! Just helped paint my son's new home and wish I had known that tip to make it easier. I'm really good with trimming but this tip is a game changer. Touché!

[@janel4582]

Excellent! Well explained and pleasant to watch :-)