Ceiling paint is an important part of any home’s decor, whether you want to make a room feel bigger or brighten it up with a bold color. Choosing the right paint and implementing proper techniques is essential for a great job.
First, prep the surface to avoid any unnecessary mess and to prevent stains from bleeding into your paint. This includes cleaning the ceiling and making sure it is completely dry, so you don’t have any rust or dirt in your fresh coat of paint. Then, apply a coat of stain-blocking primer. This helps hide any flaws or imperfections, covers over worn colors and prevents any stains from bleeding into the new coat of paint.
Next, prepare your supplies to make the project go as smoothly as possible. This ceiling painting means removing furniture from the room, and using drop cloths to protect flooring. It also means washing all your tools in a sink full of warm water and soap.
Keeping your body stretched before you begin painting will help to minimize the pain associated with this project, as well as ensure your muscles don’t get fatigued. Stretching also improves circulation in your hands and arms, so you can work more efficiently and get better results from the paint you’re applying.
Start with a light-colored paint (white is ideal) that blends in with the rest of the walls. This will help to brighten up a dark ceiling, while also enhancing the overall look of the room.
If your ceiling is textured, you should use a thicker paint to ensure you have a smooth finish. You can do this by mixing your light-colored paint with white or another color.
You should also add a little water to the paint to ensure it flows out smoothly. This will help to prevent drips and splatters when you’re rolling it onto the ceiling.
After the first coat of paint is dry, you can repeat the process if you need to. This will ensure you get a smooth, even finish that blends in with the rest of the wall color.
It’s also best to cover any loose drywall in the room before you begin painting your ceiling. This will ensure the new paint won’t shift, which can cause unsightly bumps and wrinkles.
Step 2: Mask the tops of walls and crown molding with painter’s tape to protect the surface. This will also keep the ceiling from getting painted over when you’re extending a window or adding a new ceiling fan later on.
Once you’ve completed this task, take your time to apply the remaining coats of paint. Roll on the paint in 4-foot sections, and keep the roller moving to prevent the edges from drying out too quickly.
Brush in a Cut-In Layer
For a more consistent finish, brush a band of ceiling paint in the edge of the area you’ve painted. You can do this with a paintbrush or by hand, but either way you’ll need to make it a few inches long.