8 Time-Saving Painting Hacks

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a room or an old piece of furniture, but tackling a new painting project can seem like a daunting task, especially if you are crunched for time. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can save time on your next painting job. From eliminating the preparation work to painting more efficiently, here are eight time-saving painting hacks that don’t skimp on quality.

1. Dust the Surface With a Microfiber Cloth

Any surface usually needs a good cleaning before you start painting. Instead of using a rag for the job, a microfiber cloth that you typically use for dusting around the house can remove debris faster and hit those hard-to-reach spots. If you don’t have one on hand, a feather duster will also do the trick.

2. Use What You Have on Hand to Protect Flooring

You should always protect furniture and surrounding areas from paint splatter before you begin. While most painters opt for plastic sheeting, a plastic tablecloth is actually easier to walk on. If you don’t have a plastic tablecloth, you can always use old pieces of cardboard, which will also cut down on the slips.

3. Eliminate Prep Work on Furniture

Between sanding, patching, and washing, prep work can sometimes take longer than painting. Beyond Paint offers all-in-one paints that eliminate the need for prep work at all. This means no sanding, stripping, or priming. Just wash the surface and start painting away! As bonding paint, it contains special Nanotechnology formulated specifically for furniture, cabinets, countertops, and more. It not only eliminates the prep work of regular paint, but also works on a variety of surfaces like wood, Formica, laminate, plastic, masonry, and metal – which makes it an even better time-saving option.

4. Use Lip Balm for a Quick Cleanup

For the trim around windowpanes, a little lip balm can save you time in the long run. Just apply it to the glass with a cotton swab before you paint. The balm will protect the glass along with the trim, making it easy to wipe away later. You can use the same trick with petroleum jelly on wood areas.

5. Remove Tape With a Hair Dryer

Removing masking or painter’s tape is one of the most annoying parts of a paint project. Fortunately, there is an easy way to remove the tape without it breaking into a hundred pieces and damaging surfaces. Start by heating up the tape with a blow dryer and rolling it away from the wall with your fingers. The heat will loosen the adhesive while the rolling technique will remove the tape without taking chunks out of the material.

6. Keep Rollers Clean With Scissors

Maintaining your supplies while you paint is also an important part of the process. If you notice your roller developing crusty ends, have a pair of scissors on hand to trim them away. This will increase the longevity of the roller and result in a better coat. If you need to take a break while painting, wrap your paintbrush in a disposal glove, which will help prevent it from drying out.

7. Paint Faster With an Angle Brush and Warm Water

It’s typically recommended that you start painting on the edges and work your way inside. Speed things up by using a stiff angle brush. Once the edges are done, you can load up your roller and finish the middle. To get a more even coat, soak the roller in warm water prior to painting. This helps set the fibers in the roller and allow it to absorb the paint better.

8. Clean Brushes With Vinegar

Removing all the paint from your brushes can be a painstaking and messy process. After all, you want to be able to reuse that brush for future projects. Vinegar is great at removing paint from brushes without too much hassle. Simply pour some vinegar in a glass jar and let the brush soak until the paint breaks free. You can also use fabric softener if you want to avoid paint thinner or the smell of vinegar. Just remember to rinse the brush once the paint is off.

Keep these simple tips in mind to save time when tackling your next paint job. To make the process even easier, use Beyond Paint products to eliminate the need for multiple coats and long dry times and to easily paint on surfaces other paints won't adhere to.