Painting a room can feel like a fresh start. Changing the color of a 12×12 room, whether it’s a cozy bedroom or a home office, can entirely shift its ambiance. But before you dive in, you’re probably wondering, “How long will this take?” Let’s chat about that.
First things first, the time it takes to paint a room can vary. Several factors play into it, like the condition of your walls and whether you’re going from a dark to a light color, or vice versa. But don’t worry, I’m here to give you a general idea!
Time to Paint a 12×12 Room and Ceiling
Painting the ceiling in addition to the walls involves a bit more effort and, naturally, more time. When you decide to paint the ceiling, you’re not just adding another surface to cover, but also dealing with a different angle of work, which can be a bit more challenging and time-consuming. Typically, painting the ceiling can add 2-3 hours to your project timeline.
This is because working overhead is slower, and you may need to apply multiple coats to achieve an even look. Including the ceiling, the total time to completely paint a 12×12 room can extend to approximately a day and a half. It’s a bit more labor, but achieving that seamless, top-to-bottom fresh look is rewarding!
How Much Paint Required for Paint a 12×12 Room
Getting your paint quantity right is key to avoiding unnecessary trips back to the store. For a standard room of this size, you’ll typically need about two gallons of paint for the walls. But don’t forget the ceiling! For the ceiling, you’ll likely need an additional gallon, especially if you want to ensure even coverage and a professional-looking finish. This estimate covers you for two coats of paint, which is usually sufficient for a solid, opaque finish.
However, if your project involves transitioning from a dark wall color to a much lighter one, you might find yourself needing a bit more paint than initially planned. Extra paint ensures you completely cover the old shade, preventing it from dimming your new color.
Average Cost to Paint This Room
Budgeting for your painting project is crucial, and it’s important to consider both DIY and professional options. On average, if you decide to tackle the painting yourself, you could spend between $200 and $400. This cost range includes buying high-quality paint and necessary supplies like brushes, rollers, and painter’s tape.
If you prefer to hire a professional to ensure everything is done impeccably and without the hassle of doing it yourself, the cost typically ranges from $300 to $800. This professional service fee includes the labor, paint, and other materials, providing you with a hassle-free experience where you don’t have to worry about the details or the cleanup.
Preparation – The Unsung Hero
Before a single drop of paint touches your wall, there’s essential prep work that needs to be done. This preparation phase is key to ensuring a smooth and clean painting process. Initially, you’ll start by moving any furniture out of the room or to the center where it can be covered. Next, you’ll need to tape off edges, windowsills, and door frames to protect them from accidental strokes. Laying down drop cloths will protect your floors from drips and spills. If your walls have cracks or holes, this is the time to patch them up and allow any spackle to dry.
Priming the walls is your next step, especially if you’re making a dramatic color change or if the walls were previously stained. This stage sets the groundwork for your paint to adhere better and last longer. Depending on the room’s current condition, this prep work can take several hours, but it’s a critical step that ensures a professional-looking finish.
Painting -The Main Event
Now comes the exciting part—the actual painting! Painting a standard 12×12 room generally takes about a day’s work. This includes the application of a couple of coats of paint, which is necessary to achieve an even and saturated color. Each coat of paint typically needs about two to four hours to dry sufficiently before the next coat can be applied.
During this downtime, you might find it’s the perfect opportunity to relax, perhaps watching your favorite TV show or diving into a good book. If you’re thinking about getting professional help, this is an excellent time to consider reaching out for a free estimate. Professional painters not only provide a more precise timeframe but also ensure a flawless finish with their expertise.
Additional Elements – Windows, Doors, Etc.
When considering painting a room, it’s also important to think about the additional elements such as windows, doors, and trims. These parts of the room often require special attention and different types of paint. For example, window sills and door frames often benefit from a durable, glossier paint that can handle more wear and tear.
Painting these areas can add several hours to your project, as careful taping, detailed brushwork, and possibly multiple coats are needed to achieve a sharp, clean look. Remember, these details can make or break the overall aesthetic of your room, so taking the extra time to paint them right is crucial.
Drying Time – The Waiting Game
The completion of painting doesn’t mean you can move everything back in right away. The last and often overlooked phase is the drying time. Paint needs to dry completely before you can fully use the room again. It’s typically recommended to wait at least 24 hours before moving furniture back and removing tape from the trim. This patience ensures that you won’t accidentally smudge or chip the paint, keeping your walls looking pristine. The wait might be challenging, but it’s crucial for achieving that durable, beautiful finish.
Why Hire a Pro?
While embarking on a DIY painting project can be fulfilling, there are compelling reasons to consider hiring a professional interior paint service. Professionals bring a level of expertise and efficiency that can be hard to match on your own. They come equipped with the right tools for every step of the process—from thorough prep work to flawless execution.
Hiring a pro also means you won’t have to deal with the cleanup afterward, allowing you more time to enjoy the transformation of your space.
Wrapping It Up
Paint a 12×12 room can take anywhere from a day to a weekend, depending on the amount of prep required and whether multiple coats are necessary. If you’re in the Orlando area and considering giving your home a fresh look, reaching out to a skilled painter could be your best next step. They can efficiently handle rooms of any size and ensure the job is done right.
Last Thoughts
Ultimately, painting a room is a powerful way to express yourself and revitalize your living space. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire professionals, the most important outcome is that you love your newly transformed room. Ready to give your space a new vibe? It might just be the perfect time to paint your home. Enjoy the process and your beautiful new room!