Hi,

I have been approached to paint 1200 sq ft of a home and though my technique is good, I have some really nub questions. For example. I know that I paint ceilings 1st. Do I have to prime the ceilings? If yes, what do I do while the primer is drying? And when I paint the ceiling do I need to give it 1 or 2 coats? If 2 coats what do I do while the 1st is drying?

Can someone give me a simplified formula of how they do interior rooms from top to bottom? Please include prep work etc. Much appreicated thanks.

If the ceiling was previously painted with ceiling white just one new coat should do it if no repairs are needed or stains to seal out. I then paint all trim and don't mask since the walls will be last. After the trim paint is dry I mask most of the trim but can free hand much of it. I think you will see a few other who work in this area may do it differently, it is not an exact science, just what works best for each of us. How about you other painters jumping in and giving your read.

When you do the walls last, do you cut in the primer by brush where it meets the ceiling? And while the primer is drying what do you do then? What about when the 1st coat of paint on the walls is drying? Thanks oh you and how long does each take to dry on average please include drying time for ceiling, primer. Trim, and wall coats. Thanks 1 million.

Are these brand new sheets of drywall or have they been painted before? If painted before you should only need a wall primer if there is a stain to seal.

No I am pretty sure they have been painted before, so I wouldn't have to prime then? What about if they are doing a color change that does require primer.

Nope on the primer but likely 2 coats for a color change. Got to go, grand kids just showed up. See you tomorrow if I survive them.

Ballengerb1 gives some great advice. I do the simialr. The only thing I prime is new drywall or wood... or stains and a few other hings.
Drywall repairs and caulking first...
Ceilings next. . If your rolling, roll right along the edge of the wall as well ( to save cutting in of the ceiling) But take your brush after your done and brush any excess ceiling paint smooth. ( it will help to dry quicker)
Then sand all your repairs( if they are dry) and take your roller and spot prime all drwall repairs to help from flashing.
Then, paint all your trimp, except the baseboard, because its probably going to get speckled with paint from rolling.
Once the trim is all done, everything else should be dry, then you can start cutting and rolling.
I leave the baseboard trim until last. But that's just my technique...