Do you have any tips or know of any general rules when it comes to painting a ceiling?

Question

I've never painted a ceiling and any advice would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Some places carry ceiling paint that goes on colored but dries white so you can see exactly what you're painting and get an even coat. Wear old clothes and cover your hair. Have fun!

Answer 2

Usually, it is best to use a roller. Make certain that you do not get too much paint on the roller.
Of course, before you start painting, make certain that the ceiling is clean. Wash it to remove dust, grease (as in the kitchen) or whatever. Remove as much furniture as possible. Use a good drop cloth to prevent paint from splattering on the floor or whatever is left in the room. Have a clean up kit ready in case of splatters or spills, such as old rags. Water based paint cleans up easier than oil based. If, however, you are not using latex, make certain you have the proper clean up equipment. The paint can will tell you what you need for clean up. Also, ask your handy-dandy paint department where you purchase the paint what to use for clean up.
Go with a major brand of paint. It needn't be expensive, just good. Usually the longer term paint (10 years vs. 5 years) is better. There is what is called ceiling white. You can go with that or other shade of white or light colors, as you prefer.
When using the roller, go back and forth one direction (to and fro) then at cross angles (left and right) to get the best coverage. Keep the roller well covered with paint, but not so much paint that it will drip.
Wear old clothing that will not hurt to throw away; you can wear the same clothing another time. Also, wear a paint cap, an old cap or even a handkerchief to cover your hear. Using vaseline on exposed skin can make paint much easier to remove.
Be patient, start slowly and work into it. You'll get it!

Answer 3

Coming from a novice who has painted every ceiling in her home.

Decide what color ceiling you want. Will it be the same color as the walls, or slightly lighter or white.

If it will be a diff color, then you will need masking tape (wide) so your paint won't come on the walls.

there is really no way to start you can start from one wall and work your way in a straight line, or outside to in.

Don't forget to spackle any cracks and holes left from pictures. Let that dry and sand then put a layer of primer on it or you will see the repairs thru the paint.

Depending on how dark the color was before you start you may have to use a primer for the ceiling's first coat or you will have to use a few more coats until the previous color does not bleed thru.

Always make sure you cover completely or you will see the diff after the paint dries.

If you are not going to take any fixtures down make sure you tape around them so you don't get paint on them.

Answer 4

Ceilings are usually finished with very light color (most of the times white or ash white) to maintain open environment else the room could become very uncomfortable unless the ceiling is very very high say 5+ meters. Doing a ceiling with a brush is difficult, try to use a roller. Take little quantities of paint at time to avoid wastage and spill. Do the borders first so that you can move the roller easily later on.

Answer 5

When you tape the walls do not try to have the seam exactly at the joint between the wall and the ceiling.Lower the tape about 1/4 inch and the line will be straighter.
Also mix about 10% of the wall color into the ceiling paint and it will have a more universal color and not be such a harsh white.

Answer 6

First cut in the edges with a brush or sponge and then use a roller, make sure to get a cover or you will have paint splattering everywhere. If it is a smooth ceiling it will be very easy, just make sure to cut in the edges first. If it is textured, be careful not to roll with a lot of force or you may take off some of the texture. Best of luck!

Answer 7

Make sure to cover all of your floors wall-to- wall !! Also, add a DROP or TWO of the wall color paint to the ceiling paint and mix it really well. This will give the room an even tone.

Answer 8

Take the extra time to prep mask and tape your windows. Cover or take out any furniture from the room. Cover your floor. Painting a ceiling is fairly easy but you will have paint splatter. So preping before you start painting will save you alot of headaches.

Answer 9

Do the edges first with a 2 inch angled brush use a roller for the rest use cheap paint it really doesn't matter for the ceiling.

Answer 10

1. Drop cloth
2. War glasses/goggles
3. Keep your mouth closed.
4. Get the ceiling paint that starts pink/blue and dries white.
5. Did I say Drop Cloth?