Knowing how to paint a ceiling may seem like a straightforward task, but the truth is that many of us don’t know the subtleties that can save time and produce better results. With the right tools, method, and system, you can prevent a mess and make the job a lot easier on yourself.
You need to complete the look if you learn how to paint a room in its entirety. A fresh coat of paint on the ceiling can make a huge difference to the end result – lightening up the space and possibly making the room appear larger, so you shouldn’t ignore it.
Not sure where to start? We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to take you through what to do step-by-step. Here’s how to paint the ceiling.
How to paint the ceiling
What will you need
microfiber cloth
Drop clothes or plastic sheets
painter’s tape
paint brush
cylinder
primer
ceiling paint
Before you begin, make sure that you don’t need to get into the room you intend to paint for at least two weeks, if possible. In addition to the smell of fresh paint, some primers and paints also release VOCs once they’re first applied, which can be harmful to breathing, so it’s essential to wait. (One of the best air purifiers will also help remove these compounds.) If you intend to paint an entire room, you should also start with the ceiling before working down the walls.
1. Prepare the room – First thing’s first: Remove all furniture and removable objects from the room. The more empty it is, the easier it is to paint. Remove any hanging fixtures and smoke detectors—make sure the power is turned off first—and remove any dust and spiderwebs from the ceiling with a microfiber cloth or vacuum cleaner.
If you notice any cracks in the ceiling, repair them before painting with a sealant such as the High Strength Fiber Large Hole Repair Kit ($9.98, Lowes).
2. Cover and protect your floors – While ceiling paint is thicker and more sticky than standard wall paint, it will still produce a good splatter while applying. For this reason, you should protect your floors with a drop cloth or plastic sheeting, which you should cover completely to the edges. Overlap the seams as necessary and use painter’s tape to secure them to the boards so they don’t shift.
Also, be sure to cover and protect any furniture that cannot be removed from the room, as well as any windows and doors.
3. Protect your walls – If you’ve just painted the walls and finally done the ceiling, or you’re just painting the ceiling on its own, you need to protect the paint on the walls with painter’s tape. Run a strip of painter’s tape along the edge of the ceiling trim to prevent paint from accidentally transferring.
Make sure the tape is thick enough if picking up your own roller—we recommend at least 2 inches thick, like ATack Professional Blue Painter’s Tape ($8.99, Amazon). If you plan to paint the walls next, you don’t have to worry about this step.
4. Primer application – The primer provides the best surface for your paint and is effective coverage if you have a lot of stains, too. For this reason, it is an essential step. If your ceiling has a perfectly prominent texture, use a high-rise foundation. Otherwise, a latex drywall interior primer will work for most smooth or light-textured ceilings.
Wearing a pair of safety glasses and adequate protection for your clothing, use a paintbrush to “cut corners” with your chosen primer. This includes starting where the ceiling meets the walls and carefully brushing the paint down to the painter’s tape. Next, use a roller to apply the majority of the primer to the rest of the ceiling. Allow the primer to dry for the length of time recommended by the manufacturer, with doors and windows open.
5. Preparation for painting – Once the primer has dried, now comes the main event. It’s better to think about painting your ceiling in sections rather than trying to tackle it all at once. This can help you monitor your progress and promote more even coverage, too. Put on your old glasses and clothes and take a roller brush and paint at the ready. Remember to open windows and doors before you start painting.
If you’re painting a smooth ceiling, use a low-nap roller, while textured ceilings are best treated with a to ¾ inch nap. You can also purchase an extension pole, such as the UMIEN Telescopic Extension Pole ($28.97, Amazon) If you struggle to reach or don’t want to use a ladder.
6. Painting the ceiling – Start in the corner by “cutting” at the edges again with a paint brush. Continue working across the room until about 2-3 inches of paint has been applied to all edges. While the edges are still wet, apply paint to the center of the first part using the roller.
Roll slowly in a similar but different direction as you apply, making sure to overlap yourself and work up to the wet edge. Then continue rolling smoothly in the next section.
Be sure to add new paint to the roller as needed and try not to roll the brush directly over your head as you work; Otherwise you will end up with more mess than planned. It’s also helpful to take a step back every now and then to check your work and make sure you haven’t missed any sections. Once the entire ceiling is covered, allow it to dry.
Be careful not to load the roller with too much paint. It is better to apply several thin layers of paint; It will stick better to your ceiling, and it will reduce mess while painting.
7. Apply a secondary layer – Your ceiling may require a secondary coat of paint if it is particularly stained or if you chose a bright color. Follow the directions on your chosen paint and how long to wait before applying another coat. Then follow the same directions above, making sure to make your way across the surface as fast as you can.
8. Leave it to dry and clean – Clean your tools once you’ve finished painting with warm, soapy water. Then once the water is clear, let it dry in a well-ventilated place. Make sure any opened paint cans are completely closed before storing.
Do not remove painter’s tape, rags, or plastic wraps until the paint is completely dry. As mentioned earlier, you should wait at least two weeks before someone occupies the room – make sure it’s well ventilated until then.
And that’s it, your roof should have a whole new life! Check out our guide on how to paint a room If you want tips to paint the walls then.
Is the best way to paint the ceiling with a roller or brush?
It is actually better to use a combination of the two. The brush is best used for precision when “cutting” at the edges and around fixtures, and a roller is ideal for covering the greater part of the area. Using a roller is naturally faster than a paintbrush, plus it covers a much larger area and doesn’t leave behind the obvious strokes you can get from paintbrushes.
What Kind of Paint Should I Use on My Ceiling?
There are two types of paint you can use on your ceiling, but paint meant for ceiling tends to work best for obvious reasons. It is durable and will not reflect light due to its matte appearance, plus it dries evenly. You can choose to use color on your ceiling, but keep in mind that this can create the illusion of a smaller space, especially if it’s dark.
After decorating, you’ll want to read up on how to remove stains from painted walls to make sure they stay looking stunning. If you want to use wallpaper instead of paint, check out how to use wallpaper in the room. For more cleaning tips, check out How to Clean a Leather Sofa and How to Remove Wine Red Stains from Carpet.
Want more advice? Also find out the 10 Things You Didn’t Know You Can Clean With Baking Soda Also Can I Use Barley Vinegar For Cleaning? – This is the best vinegar for cleaning.
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