How to Paint a Ceiling

Learn easy techniques for how to paint a ceiling. Effective and professional techniques to help you make a successful job of it. Read on for more...

Hopefully, painting a ceiling isn't something you'll need to do too often, as it's certainly hard work...

If you are making over your room, though, don't neglect your ceiling...

• A grubby or tired ceiling can ruin the look of your whole room, but a freshly painted ceiling, in a bright white, can really help make your room feel fresh, neat and clean...
• A clean, bright white can also help your room feel:
  • lighter
  • brighter
  • more spacious
• For me, a ceiling should always be painted in a bright white - this gives the room the most spacious, light and bright feeling...
• Darker colors painted on a ceiling can make:
  • the room feel darker
  • the ceiling feel lower
  • the room feel quite depressing

  ...of course, if you do have a large, light room, a darker colored ceiling can work well at helping your room to feel more cosy.

• For a modern, contemporary style and the most light and airy feeling, go for a smooth, flat ceiling (in white, of course!)
• Textured ceilings can make your ceiling feel lower, but you may still like to keep certain features, such as:
  • Wooden ceiling beams
  • Cladding
  • Ceiling boxes and other decorative features
  ...to add to the period charm, or character, of your home.
• Beams and decorative features can make the job more complicated, and should be painted carefully. Pay attention to using the correct paint type and finish for the material/surface...

  More about paint types and techniques, here...

• If you'd like to create a textured ceiling, there are textured paints you can use, with specialist rollers.
• If you have lots of recurring cracks in your ceilings, try wallpapering your ceiling - it might sound strange, but in my parents' home they tried everything, repairs, professional artex...

  ...and eventually the solution was to use a heavy duty, textured wallpaper on the ceiling (which was painted white) - this flexed slightly with the cracks, and kept it all covered up - result!

• If you already have a textured ceiling (perhaps artex), and don't like it, your best bet is probably to get a plasterer to put a smooth coat over the top for you, then wait for it to dry thoroughly, and paint.

How to Paint a Ceiling

Painting a ceiling can be hard work, and a little more complex than simply painting walls, but a little care and preparation can make the question of how to paint a ceiling a lot easier for you!

• Always paint the ceiling before you paint the walls - so that you don't spoil your freshly painted walls by dribbling paint down them!
• Cover floors and any furniture well - painting ceilings can be messy! Make sure you wear old clothes too, and cover your hair - you will probably get very splattered with paint! I always do!
• Repair any cracks in the ceiling before you start painting
• If you have any old stains, damp for example, on your ceiling, make sure that the original problem is cured, then paint over with 1 or 2 coats of stain-stop paint, to stop the stain showing through subsequent coats of paint...

  ...this is a common problem, but this solution does work well - although we've found sometimes you do need to put more coats on than stated, for the best results!

• Painting the ceiling can be awkward - so make it easier on yourself by using a work platform, so that you can move around easily and safely, without too much uncomfortable and tiring stretching, or climbing up and down ladders or chairs - it can get very stiff on the old leg muscles by the end of it!









• Also consider brushes or rollers with extendable handles, or on poles, to help you reach. These are my preferred option - although it can still be tough going with one!
• How to paint a ceiling:
  • Start in a corner (near a window is best as the light helps you see where you've been)
  
  
  

  

  
  
  
  • First, paint edges with a small paint brush (stick it to a pole or broom handle with strong tape, if necessary), then work on sections of about 2ft square at a time
  • Work methodically in a single direction, moving away from your light source (usually the window), using a roller, brush or paint pad
  • Paint each section - then use your brush or roller to blend in the 2 sections together into one
  
  
  






• Painting around light fittings:
  
  How to paint a ceiling around a light fitting:
  • Switch off at the mains first!
  • Unscrew the cover a little
  • Paint right up to the fitting with a small brush
  • Refit the cover when the paint is dry
  • Always take professional advice if in any doubt.

  ...or...

  • Mask off the light fitting with masking tape, and paint right up to it - my preferred option - but you don't always get such a neat finish!

Painting a ceiling is definitely not the easiest decorating job! ...but sometimes it just has to be done!

I hope this guide to how to paint a ceiling can really help you to make a neat and professional job of it.

Sandra asks should the ceiling and crown moulding be the same color?

Another reader question about crown moldings and low ceilings

More about how to paint a room, here...

More about paint techniques for woodwork - plus varnishes, waxes and stains

More about choosing your paint type

More about choosing your paint color

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