Painting a ceiling may sound and seem like a rather daunting task. And while it may not be the easiest one, you can definitely make it work – with the right information. Just think about the final result and the wow factor when you’re finally done.
Whether you do a perfect job or not, it’s going to make a difference. A ceiling is always the biggest uncovered and exposed part of any room. That’s why it has such transformative power – and potential. Tap into it the proper way and you get yourself a real makeover on a budget.
We’re here to save the day with our expert tips so that when it’s time to repaint the ceiling again, you don’t feel completely lost and overwhelmed.
What You’ll Need
Knowledge is only going to get so far; you also need the right tools and products:
Just a quick reminder – nap means the thickness of the roller cover. If it’s below 10mm, it’s too thin to deliver the desired finish for the ceiling. If you need more comprehensive information or advice on how to pick the best roller for gloss paint and more, check out our dedicated blog post.
Ceiling Painting Project – Do’s and Don’ts
Your project largely depends on your skills, there’s no denying it. But there are some errors you can easily avoid.
- We’re going to leave the colour to you. There’s a more important matter. Don’t use regular paint – stick to a dedicated ceiling paint with a flat finish (acrylic or latex). This is very important – flat finish doesn’t reflect light and is much more forgiving than high-gloss finishes as it hides imperfections really well;
- Your ceiling paint roller needs to have the right thickness (10 – 18 mm);
- Don’t skimp on paint – you use too little and it’ll show;
- Use primer, especially for transitions from light to dark colours.
Best Way to Paint a Ceiling – Step by Step
With the right plan, everything is so much easier – and this exactly is what we’ve got for you.
Step 1: Protection and Safety
Move all the furniture out of the room, and lay down the drop sheets to protect all the surfaces, especially the floor, from accidental spills and drips. That’s the most effective way but if, for whatever reason, you can’t do it, just make sure you put a protective film over your furniture.
Step 2: Prepare Your Ceiling
Now that you have all the essential tools – and just as essential attitude –you’re ready for the prep stage. If this is not the first time your ceiling has been painted, then you can skip an undercoat. What you can’t skip is cleaning. A soft broom is the perfect choice for the first stage to take care of cobwebs and dust. If you notice any holes or cracks, apply filler with a putty knife, and sand it thoroughly for the best finish.
Step 3: Masking Off
Use painter’s tape to mask off the walls, especially if you’re not going to paint them this time around. Any light fixtures, vents, ceiling pans – they also should be masked off. Let’s say you’re nervous about cutting in. Using a wider painter’s tape will give you more room for error and you won’t have to be as precise.
Step 4: Start with the Perimeter
Now that everything’s been properly masked off and protected, it’s time to spring into action. Use a brush to cut in and paint around the perimeter. This is a part where you probably want to use a ladder. Bring a smaller pot or a bucket you can easily keep at the top, instead of carrying around a full can of paint – that's just asking for trouble. Feather the strokes, as this is going to help the rolling part and create a nice, seamless transition.
Step 5: Prep the Paint
Time to really paint but this time you can use a roller. For this next part, the ladder is optional, especially if you’ve got a good extension pole. Stir the paint thoroughly to make sure there are no clumps, and fill up the paint tray. Don’t overload the roller with paint.
Step 6: Ceiling Painting Made Easy
Move the roller away from you and paint in the W formation as this is going to cover up all the paint lines, and marks and help you distribute the paint evenly across the entire surface of your ceiling. Choose a corner and start rolling with parallel strokes. Focus on working in 1-metre sections rolling across and then down. Once you do that, wait for around 30 minutes and look for spots that could do with some touch-ups.
Final Step: Recoating and Drying
Sometimes one coat is enough, but generally speaking, it’s best to apply two. Depending on the paint type you’re using and the manufacturer’s guidelines, you might need anywhere between 1 to 4 hours (or more) between the coats. Apply the second coat; start with cutting in and corners again, and then put the roller to good use.
FAQ
Is it OK to cut in one day and paint the next?
While it’s possible, we definitely don’t recommend doing that if you care about the result. It’s much better to get it done on the same day, especially considering it shouldn’t take longer than about 4 hours.
Should you wash a ceiling before painting?
Yes, it’s definitely a good practice that helps improve paint adhesion and the quality of the finish as a result.
How many coats of paint does a ceiling need?
In most cases, it’s recommended to use 2 coats for the best effect. If you’re using darker hues then 1 coat may be enough. Nevertheless, two coats should guarantee a better finish with evenly distributed paint and the right coverage.
What type of paint is best for ceilings?
That’s acrylic paint with a flat or matte finish. You don’t really need the durability and protection that glossier finishes provide simply because ceilings don’t normally go through a lot of wear.
Do you paint the ceiling first or last?
Start with the ceiling. This way, there’s no risk of spilling and dripping on freshly painted areas. Starting at the top and working your way down is definitely the right order.
How often should you paint your ceilings?
That largely depends on their condition, but generally speaking, with regular use and no accidents, every 10 or 15 years is reasonable enough.