Painting a ceiling is rarely anyone’s idea of a good time. It can be hard on the arms, neck, and back—especially if you don’t know the proper process, materials, and techniques. Paint expert Mauro Henrique explains this all while helping a homeowner paint her living room ceiling.
Prepping for Paint
The first step is to prep the room for paint. This means removing the furniture and other items from the room. Also, protecting the floor and ceiling with drop cloths and plastic sheeting will minimize the mess. Use medium-adhesion painter’s tape to secure the sheeting to the trim.
To Prime or Not to Prime?
One of the first questions homeowners have is whether it’s necessary to prime their ceilings. Like most things, it depends. If the ceiling is in relatively good shape with a coat of existing paint, priming isn’t necessary. However, if the ceiling is raw plaster or primed, has water stains, or requires repairs, priming is required.
Take a Look Above
If there are recessed lights or other fixtures installed in the ceiling, removing them is the easiest option. However, in some cases, there may be excessive dust or blown-in insulation above, making the process much messier than necessary. If removing fixtures will make a mess, leave them up and cut in around them with a paintbrush.
Cutting-In Matters
Learning to cut in properly along walls and around devices is key. Use an angled brush for this purpose.
- Load the brush with about an inch of paint, then tap off the excess into the paint can.
- Work the paint close to the edge, watching the tip of the brush drag behind, near the trim, in long, slow strokes.
- Then, go back and spread the paint with the brush so the wet paint is at least an inch wide.
Know How to Roll
With the ceiling cut in, it’s time to start rolling. This process covers more surface area in a much shorter time, but it’s important not to rush.
- Start by loading the roller with paint from the paint tray, then roll off the excess.
- Hold the roller handle at approximately 45 degrees ahead of you and roll the paint onto the ceiling in overlapping strokes. Overlap the cut lines without touching the walls or devices.
- Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
Apply a Second Coat
Once the first coat is dry, you’ll need to apply a second. Follow the same steps as before: cut in around the walls and devices, then roll on the second coat. Remove the painter’s tape and sheeting when finished.
