When painting should I cut in first or roll first?

Author: Adriel Rau  |  Last update: Saturday, August 9, 2025

Always cut in first then continue painting with a roller. Cut in and paint with a roller one wall at a time. If you cut in all areas first and then roll the entire room, the paint that was applied when cutting in will have dried quicker and you will be left with a patchy, uneven finish.

Should you cut in before or after rolling paint?

It is generally recommended to cut in on the first coat of paint and then roll on the second coat. This ensures that the paint is applied evenly and smoothly to the surface. Cutting in refers to painting the edges or corners of a wall or ceiling, or around trim or other obstacles, using a paintbrush.

Which is the correct sequence of painting?

Start with the ceiling

We recommend you start your decorating project at the top and work your way down. Taking this approach will allow you to avoid dripping any paint onto freshly painted areas. Before you start painting, clean your ceiling, fill any holes or cracks and sand it.

Do professional painters paint trim first?

Generally speaking it's always best to prep the trim before painting the walls. This means caulking the gaps, filling the pin holes, sanding and vacuuming the dust prior to painting. Some painters choose to paint the trim first, and then finish with the walls.

What is a common mistake when painting with a roller?

Comments Section New painters tend to make a couple of common mistakes. Pressing the roller too hard, and not waiting for things to dry enough before doing the next coat. When I say pressing too hard, I mean press too hard on rollers, trying to squeeze out every last bit of paint before they reload the roller.

Interior Wall Painting- Do you Roll First or Cut In First? Pro Painter Tips

How to fix cutting in lines when painting?

How to fix errors with cutting in:
  1. When cutting in your paint edges, press a loaded paintbrush firmly along the surface to apply a thick layer of paint roughly 1 to 1.5 inches from your desired border.
  2. Use the tip of the brush to lightly feather the applied paint right up to the edge of the surface.

Why is my paint still patchy after 4 coats?

Patchy paint can result if paint has been applied unevenly. Patchy paint can be down to a variation in surface absorption. Walls might appear patchy if they have variation in texture. Using paint that is not fully mixed can cause a patchy appearance.

Is it okay to cut in one day and paint the next?

Key Takeaways: Cut-in and painting on the same day are recommended for the best results. Wait for the trim to dry completely before painting to avoid an uneven finish.

What is the correct order to paint a room?

The Best Order to Paint a Room
  1. Ceilings. Paint a 2-inch wide strip on the ceiling where it meets the wall. ...
  2. Walls. Paint a 2-inch strip along ceiling, floor and woodwork with a brush. ...
  3. Woodwork. Paint all trim around doors, windows, ceilings and floor.
  4. Floor. Start in a corner diagonally opposite the room exit.

When painting, it is best to start with dark or light.?

Paint From Dark to Light

Do not jump around. It is easier to see your object develop if you paint in the darkest colors first, and then move on to the next value, and then the next, and so on.

What is the 1 3 rule in painting?

The rule of thirds means that the subject isn't centered; rather, the main focal point can be to one side or at the top or bottom of the image. It's a tool to help artists draw the viewer's eye into the composition, rather than just glancing at the center.

Should you paint ceiling walls or trim first?

The answer depends on several factors and there are a few different approaches that can be taken. For interior painting, it's recommended to start with the trim paint, then move on to the ceilings, and finally paint the walls.

Should you caulk before or after painting?

It is recommended to caulk before painting. Not only does unpainted caulk provide a less effective seal than painted caulk, but it tends to shrink, crack, and discolor over time, resulting in an unsightly finish.

How do pro painters cut in?

Instructions
  1. Fill the Bucket With Paint. Fill a cut bucket with no more than about 1/2 inch of paint. ...
  2. Load the Brush With Paint. Dip the tip of the brush into the paint. ...
  3. Apply Paint to the Line. Grip the brush loosely near the bristles as you would grip a pencil. ...
  4. Broaden the Paint Line. ...
  5. Clean Mistakes.

Should you apply pressure when rolling paint?

Start at the top of your wall and work down. Avoid applying pressure to the roller when painting. Pressing the roller firmly against the wall will lead to ridges along the edges of your roller lines. If you find yourself pressing harder to get paint on the wall, it is time to reload your roller.

Can you paint ceiling and walls the same day?

Can you paint the ceiling and the walls on the same day? If you're painting both the same color, you certainly can. This is especially true when using primer paint. Just make sure you keep a wet edge, don't make these painting mistakes!

Should you cut in first or last when painting?

Always cut in first then continue painting with a roller. Cut in and paint with a roller one wall at a time. If you cut in all areas first and then roll the entire room, the paint that was applied when cutting in will have dried quicker and you will be left with a patchy, uneven finish.

How much does it cost to paint the interior of a 1500 square foot house?

The cost to paint a 1,500 square-foot double-story home will average between $6,000 to $21,000 depending on the size of all floors. The price may vary if your 2nd floor is smaller than the ground floor.

When painting, which is the correct order?

As a painter we always start with the ceiling first, then paint the enamel trim next. This way you can do both in the same day without having to wait on dry time. The next day you cut in and paint out the walls. Make sure you use a blue tape of some kind on the baseboards but make sure the edges are pressed down well.

Do you let cutting in dry before rolling?

If you leave the cutting in to dry before you roll the paint on the surface, you could end up with an uneven finish. To solve this problem, I'd recommend completing the cutting in one section at a time. This way, you can roll your surface while the cutting in is still wet, ensuring it blends well.

Should you paint or cut first?

Do you paint walls or trim first? From a professional point of view, with interior painting, it makes the most sense to paint your trim first, then ceilings, and then your walls. It's much easier and faster to tape off trim than to tape off your walls. And you definitely don't want the hassle of taping them both.

Can you wait overnight between coats of paint?

Wait Times Between Paint Coats

Oil-Based Paint - When using oil-based paint, you should wait at least 24 hours before adding a second coat of paint. Water-Based Latex Paint - When using water-based latex paint, you should wait at least 4 hours before adding another coat of paint.

How to stop patchy paint when using a roller?

Dip your roller lightly into the paint. It should cover less than half of the roller. Roll it back and forth on the ramp to distribute it evenly; this is how to stop patchy paint when using a roller.

What does a wet edge mean in painting?

As a general rule of thumb you always want to be painting with a 'wet edge'. This means not letting the paint dry on one patch before you start painting the section next to it. By keeping a wet edge, you'll make sure sections of paint will blend together. Seamlessly.

Why does my second coat of paint look bad?

Applying the second coat of paint before letting it adequately dry will result in your paint peeling, clumping, and bubbling. It can also result in a different colour than what you intended.

Previous article
How long does it take for baking soda to absorb?
Next article
Is a handyman cheaper than a contractor?