Painting a room yourself is fun and a more affordable option. But if you’re a novice to the painting world you might get confused about things like whether you should cut in and paint the same day or you can do it the next day.
It’s okay to cut in and paint the next day but it’s best not to do so. Cutting in and painting the same day (in fact, immediately after cutting in) always brings the most even and smoothest result. Otherwise, the shade may not match, the roll-out task may seem more difficult, or it may leave brush marks.
To make sure that the paint blends perfectly, it’s best to paint the surface right after you cut in. So, if possible, cut in, and roll out the wall right away when the cut-in paint is still wet.
Still, the decision to cut in and paint the next day is a personal one that depends on the specific circumstances of the job. However, by understanding the pros and cons of each approach, you can make an informed decision about what is best for your specific project.
Pros of Cutting in and Painting on the Same Day
If you love the feeling of finishing a painting project quickly, then cutting in and painting on the same day is the perfect solution for you. Although it can be done safely in two separate days, considering the size of the room and the amount of preparation that has been done beforehand, there are a few pros to cutting in and painting on the same day that should not be ignored:
- There’s a little-to-no distraction when working on the project, which leads to better focus and productivity.
- It’s easy to fix when wet – a common problem with working with dried paint.
- Projects finish quickly, which means you can move on to the next one sooner rather than later.
- It’s often cheaper to paint a room on the same day as the cut-in than to wait for the paint to dry and then repaint.
Cons of Cutting in and Painting the Next Day
There’s no doubt that cutting in and painting the next day is absolutely possible. But is it the best decision for the project? Before making the switch, it’s important to understand the cons of cutting in and painting the next day.
Here are the consequences you might face for cutting in and painting the surface later.
- Waiting overnight after you cut in and letting it dry may lead the paint not to blend perfectly.
- If you roll out over dry paint, chances are the edges may flake.
- Sometimes, it leaves lap marks which are hard to fix later.
- Rolling out over dry paint doesn’t let the shade match, especially for darker colors.
- You might leave some markings and smudges because rolling out with dry edges is more difficult than with wet edges.
There is always the potential for delays due to bad weather conditions or your own negligence. Make sure you have all the tools available so that the job goes as planned.
And finally, remember that this plan only works if you are able to stick to the schedule. So, make sure you are fully prepared and make the most of the day!
Should You Allow Cut In Paint Dry Before Rolling?
It’s best not to let the cut-in paint dry before rolling. This is because if the paint is wet and there are brush marks, rolling over will immediately remove them. If the area is large and you are working alone, the paint may have dried by the time you begin rolling. If two people are cutting in and painting separately, the latter one can start rolling as soon as the first one finishes cutting it on a specific wall and then move to the next one, saving time.
Additional Tips for Cutting in Paint
The first thing you’ll want while painting is to cut in as a pro. But how to do so? Below are some tips for you to get the best results regarding cutting in paint.
- Before cutting in, make sure your surfaces are clean and free of any contaminants.
- Remember to cut in before rolling when painting to avoid any mess.
- Press your brush firmly when cutting in paint on those tough edges.
- Always cut in and paint one wall at a time instead of rolling the entire room. Painting over dry cut-in may leave with a patchy and uneven finish.
- It’s okay to cut in with a mini roller if you don’t want to use a brush for cutting in.
- Ensure that you don’t miss any cut-ins and cover every coat of paint that you apply.
- Avoid cutting in too wide; painting a strip of around 50mm wide is enough.
- Follow this order to cut in:
Ceiling lines and cornices→ The walls’ corners to halfway down→ From the middle of the wall to the bottom→ Skirting boards
Conclusion
Depending on the situation, there may be benefits to cutting in and painting the next day. However, when it comes to painting, waiting until the next day is a bit of a gamble, as the results may not be as good as you’d hoped. That’s why, when painting walls and ceilings, it’s better to start rolling as soon as you finish painting the edges, aka cutting in paint. But if you can plan the entire process carefully, cutting in and painting the next day will not be too big of an issue.