Should you always cut in first when painting?

You'll need to “cut-in” the corners and areas around trim with a paintbrush. Cut in the corners before you roll paint on the main surfaces. This means painting both sides of each corner starting about two brush lengths away and painting in to the corner.
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Do you have to cut in first when painting?

Pros usually follow a certain order when painting a room. They paint the trim first, then the ceiling, then the walls. That's because it's easier (and faster) to tape off the trim than to tape off the walls.
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Do you need to cut in on the second coat of paint?

When it comes to applying the second coat, you must keep track of where you've painted because it the same process you used for the first coat. You should start at the top corner of the wall with an angled brush and cut in along the trim in the edges. Roll the paint on in small sections when you're finished.
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Should I cut in the whole room before rolling?

It really shouldn't matter. In the end, it's the exact same paint so it should match.
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Should you cut trim before painting?

Many experts say that it's wise to paint the trim before you install it. It's a fast and easy process that can dramatically speed up paint time.
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Interior Wall Painting- Do you Roll First or Cut In First? Pro Painter Tips



What is the correct order to paint a room?

The ceiling should always be painted first. This allows you to effectively cover the surface with at least two coats while not having to worry about any over-spray (the effect of excess paint being sprayed onto the walls) by the roller.
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Should you paint edges or wall first?

For painting wall edges, it is best to paint the edges first, then paint the rest of the wall surface with a paint roller. There are two ways to paint wall edges near the ceiling. You can either use a paint edger device or use a good-quality angled paintbrush.
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Should I cut in one wall at a time?

But you'll get better results if you cut in just one wall, then immediately roll out the wall before cutting in the next one. That's because if you roll out the wall right away, while the cut-in paint is still wet, the cut-in paint and the wall paint will blend much better, reducing the chance of lap marks.
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Do you cut in with every coat of paint?

Painting technique

In order to ensure an even application, paint should be applied to the walls in the same pattern as the first coat. Experts recommend first cutting in all edges. When all edges have been neatly coated, you can then use a roller to paint the walls in a large W.
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Will a second coat of paint cover roller marks?

Roller marks, which painters sometimes call "holidays," are a routine hazard when painting with a roller, and there are many ways to avoid them. When you notice holidays after the paint has dried, you can usually make them disappear by applying another coat after sanding lightly—if necessary—to remove drips and humps.
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Do I really need to wait 4 hours between coats of paint?

Adding a Second Coat

After your first coat of paint is dry, it's safe to recoat typically after four to six hours. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least three hours to recoat your paint or primer if it's water-based. Waiting 24 hours is best for oil-based paint and primer.
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Why does my paint job look patchy?

Patchiness usually happens if you don't use enough paint, or apply it unevenly. Using a touch more paint, and painting in small sections one at a time, usually does the trick. Also, rolling in a grid fashion will get you an even finish too. But, sometimes, changes in the gloss level leave things patchy.
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How do you get crisp lines when painting?

Here's the real trick for perfectly crisp lines: seal the edges of the painters tape with some of the base wall color before painting on the contrasting color. Don't paint the whole width of the tape. Just a bit along the edge of the tape on the side where the stripe will be painted.
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How do you paint evenly?

Working in a three-by-three area, roll a “W” onto the wall. This will help place an even distribution of paint onto the wall and ensure an even coat. Continue rolling from the top edge of the wall to the bottom, filling in the “W” as you go. Repeat the “W” process until the entire wall is covered.
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Why do you cut in when painting?

The practice of cutting-in involves using a trade quality paint brush to manually apply straight lines of paint along the edges of an area that does not require paint (light switch, door, mouldings) and therefore stopping the need for painters tape.
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How do painters get straight lines?

While it does take some setting up, painter's tape is the most effective way for painters to create straight lines. Whether cutting in or making an isolated line, painter's tape can create a straight line on almost any surface.
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What is the fastest way to tape a room for painting?

How to apply painters tape to ceilings or inside corner walls
  1. Paint around the corner with the first color.
  2. Let dry fully (usually 24 hours)
  3. Tape your line 1/8" from the corner.
  4. Apply pressure to tape to make sure it's sealed.
  5. Start painting.
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Can you paint edges and roll the next day?

It shouldn't be a problem. I did the cutting in, as it's quite fussy work, and my husband rolled the walls the next day. On one of the paint forums I did pick up a helpful hint when using painter's tape. You have to press the edge down firmly several times (I used a softer plastic putty knife).
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Do you cut in first when painting a ceiling?

Since your average paint roller cannot reach into corners or paint right up to the woodwork, the first step is to cut in the ceiling—that is, apply about a 2-inch wide band of paint around the outer edge of the ceiling—using a 2-1/2 inch wide brush.
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Where do you start when painting a room?

Start by cutting in your paint along the ceiling and trim, and then using your roller. Working on one wall at a time helps to alleviate boredom and allows the cut paint to remain wet for ease of blending.
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Should I paint corners first?

Don't paint "all" the corners, because most will dry before you get to them. Paint the corners first, as you go along, to maintain a wet edge. Also, when painting corners, feather the edge so you don't get a bump under the rolled paint.
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How do professionals paint walls?

21 Tips for Painting Like a Pro
  1. Clean Up Mistakes While They're Wet. ...
  2. Even Pros Use Painter's Tape—Sometimes. ...
  3. Remove Everything From the Room. ...
  4. Find, Then Fix, Cracks and Dents. ...
  5. Do the Sanding Two-Step. ...
  6. Sponge-Bath Walls. ...
  7. Caulk All Cracks. ...
  8. Pick a Powerful Primer.
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