If you’re going to paint a room, you might be thinking you can skip the ceiling, but don’t – I promise you won’t regret it. This means that knowing how to paint a ceiling is a crucial skill because it’s not an easy task. But with a few tips and tricks, you (and your back/neck) will be thanking me when you can stand back and take in the freshly painted room.
From a simple spruce up and stain removal to the changing of colour and peeling ceilings. It can be a challenging task. Here are the most effective ways to prepare the ceiling and room for painting, applying the paint and of course the cleanup!
Ask any painter; the most crucial step is always your prep! Before you begin painting, the right preparation will ensure the job goes smoothly. Here’s what you need to do to ceiling paint preparation:
The task of painting your ceiling will be made a lot easier if you take the time to prime the ceiling with a coat of latex paint primer. This is particularly important if your ceiling has stains.
Allow the primer to dry completely and use a paintbrush to paint the edges where the ceiling meets the wall. This targets the areas the roller will likely miss giving you a more thorough and professional-looking result.
Ceilings can be quite sizeable, so it is always a good idea to paint in sections with a roller. Work in small grid-like sections that will keep the edges wet. This allows you to see your progress, making it easier to achieve an even coat.
If you have a smooth ceiling, a low nap roller is best, if your ceiling is textured, use a roller with a 1/2-inch nap. Start in a corner, roll slowly and overlap the rows. Never roll directly over your head and vary the direction of your rolling. Repeat these actions for each section, rolling out and blending with the cut-in edge.
If you happen to make a drip or spatter, clean it with a damp rag straight away before the paint dries.
Not all ceilings require a second coat of paint, but if you have used a bright colour or particular shade of white, this may be needed. And to be honest, it just helps in case you’ve missed a bit and need a more solid finish.
Before applying your second coat, allow the first coat of paint to thoroughly dry, then apply the second coat in one direction.
When you have finished, it is time for the most fun and enjoyable part of any painting job – the cleanup.
Here are a few extra tips that will make your life easier when learning how to paint a ceiling:
If you’re thinking about using the same colour paint for your ceiling and walls, first consider the type and size of the room. For small rooms, a darker paint colour for the ceiling and walls will make things feel more intimate. A lighter colour for the walls and ceiling will make the room feel bigger and more modern.
Darker or lighter paint colours in larger rooms will bring the focus to your furniture and decor. When you paint your ceiling a lighter colour, the walls will feel higher, creating a low-contrast look. Painting your ceiling a darker colour than the walls can create a high-contrast look in a white-walled room. A darker paint colour will make it feel like a lower ceiling even and works well to accent a decorative trim.
If you simply want to paint your ceiling white, choose a flat white paint as this will help disguise any lumps or bumps and hive you a clean, modern look. On the flip side, a colour will actually enhance the things you don’t want to bring attention to. If you have a room that doesn’t get a lot of natural light, white ceiling paint is the best option. White paint will reflect more light into the darker spaces and brighten everything up!
While painting a ceiling is considered more difficult than painting a wall due to the angles involved, it is not impossible. If you are a little unsure about handling the task, or if you need to paint a particularly high ceiling, the task is best left to a professional. They will have all of the necessary equipment and scaffolding to ensure a safe and efficient job.
If you feel as though you can tackle the task yourself, ensure the correct preparation, never paint directly over your head, and use a paint roller extension pole to help you reach higher spots and angles more easily.
Always paint the ceiling first. It’s always better to paint large, high areas as there will often be roller spatters, overspray and brushstrokes that will be covered up as you move onto painting the lower regions.
When painting a ceiling, it’s a good idea to start in a corner, roll slowly and overlap the rows. Paint in sections with a roller and work in small grid-like areas that will keep the edges wet. This allows you to see your progress, making it easier to achieve an even coat.
When it comes time to paint the second coat, speed is the key. Try to get the task done quickly to ensure a professional-looking even drying coat.
You now have all the information you need to paint your ceiling. Follow the steps carefully, and you should be able to perform a professional-level job that will make you smile every time you look up!
If you still aren’t feeling as confident as you would like about ceiling painting, fear not! There are plenty of skilled people who can help with your ceiling painting, as well as ceiling plastering and always making sure it looks great with regular ceiling cleaning.
If you have caught the painting bug and find it to be quite therapeutic like many do, read some of our other handy painting articles. You can see more living room painting ideas and 45 Bathroom colour schemes and ideas. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the aesthetic of your home, master the art today!
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