Painting a Room: Where Should I Start?
A new paint job is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to change the atmosphere of any room—and in many cases, you can get it done over a weekend. The secret to a smooth finish and efficient process? Good prep and the right tools. If you’re aiming to paint a room quickly and cleanly while getting pro-level results, Quiroz Painting has a few tips to help you get started. Here’s the most effective order for painting a room—and why it makes a difference.
Clear the Space
Start by moving as much furniture out of the room as possible. Anything that stays should be fully covered to protect it from dust and paint. Pushing everything to the center might seem easier, but it limits your working space—especially when painting the ceiling. Go ahead and remove wall décor, shelving, and any leftover nails or screws.
Remove Covers
Unscrew all outlet and switch plate covers and place them in a bag or container so they don’t go missing. This small step makes for a cleaner, more polished finish later.
Repair and Clean
Fill any holes, cracks, or dings in the walls, especially those left behind by hardware you’re not reusing. Wipe down the walls, trim, baseboards, and window ledges with a lint-free cloth to remove dust and dirt. A clean surface helps the paint stick better and last longer.
Tape Precisely
Apply painter’s tape carefully around trim, windows, and any areas you want to keep paint-free. High-quality tape prevents bleed-through and saves you from time-consuming touch-ups.
Protect the Floors
Lay down canvas drop cloths to shield your flooring from spills and drips. You can also use plastic sheeting for large furniture or items that can’t be moved.
Start with the Ceiling
Shut off power to the room and remove the ceiling light cover, taping around the fixture base. Use a brush to “cut in” along the edges of the ceiling before filling in the rest with a roller. Painting the ceiling first keeps splatter off freshly painted walls, and allows you to use the fixture for light once you're done. Still, supplement with additional lighting to make sure you don’t miss any spots.
Move on to the Walls
Begin by cutting in along the ceiling and baseboards with a brush, then roll on the paint. Tackle one wall at a time for better consistency and easier blending between brush and roller.
A Few More Smart Tips
Choose high-quality paint and use ceiling-specific paint for better coverage and fewer drips.
Take your time—rushing leads to streaks, missed spots, and more cleanup later.
Add finishing touches like custom shelving to really make the room stand out.
Let everything dry fully before reinstalling covers, hanging artwork, or putting furniture back in place.
Thinking of skipping the hassle? Quiroz Painting is here to handle the job for you—so you can focus on enjoying the results.
Want it done right the first time? Schedule your estimate with Quiroz Painting today.