If you are not very concerned about the end results, you could pick up a paint brush and start painting from wherever. However, if you are the kind that is concerned with how the end product will look, if you are the kind who wants to carry out a DIY job like a professional, then there are steps that you should follow. Without taking much time, let’s dig into some tips that will have you painting your ceiling like a pro and be the envy of many homeowners.
Cover Ceiling Flaws with a Stain Blocking Primer
Tobacco smoke, overflowing sinks, roof leaks and any big spills can leave large and unsightly stains on your ceiling that prove almost impossible to conceal with normal paint. To cover these stains for good, the best primer to use is a stain-blocking primer. The preferred and most recommended type is the white pigmented shellac. This type of primer can be painted or sprayed onto the ceiling. When you get the primer, remember to also pick up denatured alcohol and ammonia to clean the brush before you start on your ceiling painting project.
First Sand before Painting
Over time, as you add layer upon layer of paint, crud and bumps tend to build up. If your ceiling is untextured, it is always a great idea to sand it over with 100 grit drywall sandpaper. This will help to smoothen out the surface in preparation for a smooth painting job. Sanding and smoothening also increases the paint bonding. After sanding, be sure to remember to dust off the surface. You can use a damp sponge for this.
Cut in before Rolling
Cutting in before using the roller will allow you to cover all marks and mistakes made by a painting brush. When cutting in, be extra careful when working the edges of the ceiling. Do each section at a time and cut in about 10ft. cutting in has some advantages which include better blending. In addition, alternating between rolling and cutting in is far much less boring.
Roll in both Directions
So as to get a smooth and consistent finish, you should divide the ceiling into sections of 5ft square. Roll paint over one section fast as you move on to the next section. Be fast and careful enough not to allow the paint to dry at the edges before you roll in on the section next to the already painted part. Professionals refer to this as keeping a wet edge. It is imperative as it helps to avoid lap marks. To get the best coverage, re-roll each section at a right angle to the previous rolling direction.
Use Specialized Ceiling Paint
For best results, you will need to have paint formulated for use on ceilings. While there are exceptions to this rule, you might want to consider adhering to it. For your ceiling, get a paint that will not spatter, dries slowly and non-glossy. But since many of the ceiling paints have this feature, you will not have to worry about the details and specifications of the paint when purchasing one.
Lap the cut ins on the Walls as well
If you intend to paint your walls, it is good practice to lap your paint onto the walls slightly this will allow you to err on the walls and leave some ceiling color showing when cutting in and the end result will be great still. There are those who prefer skipping the cutting in step and mash the roller into the corner of the ceiling and the wall instead. However, this is a sloppy approach that leaves excess paint in the corners or leaves you with a noticeable paint line.
Experiment with Color
Ceilings are mostly painted white. However, there is no rule that states you should stick to white only. As a matter of fact, yellow on some ceilings looks great. Bear in mind that the color you use on your ceiling can make the room feel larger or smaller. If you have no clue what color to choose, consult your local paint store. They will be willing to help choose the colors.
There is no need for an Expensive Pole
If you can afford it, you could go for the fancy looking extendable paint poles. However, if your budget does not allow the purchase of such fancy items, a simple handle from a wooden broom will work just fine. The fact that they are light makes them all the more perfect for the ceiling painting job at hand.
Employ a Premium and Thick Cover
When painting the ceiling, you will want to get as much paint as possible on your ceiling with the least possible spatters. To achieve this, you will need a great roller cover. The best would be a ½ inch lambswool cover. They are expensive, yes, but they also are easy to clean and last for very long provided you take great care of them.
Be Gentle on Textured Ceilings
If the ceiling already has texture, it is safe to continue with your painting project. However, if the texture has not been painted in the past, you run the risk of loosening the texture with the water in the paint. The end result is the textures failing off with time. But the reaction to paint for the first time greatly depends on how good a job the ceiling texture was. If you have an inconspicuous area in your house you can use for a test, by all means, use it and watch for the reaction. If it loosens, do not proceed to the other parts of the ceiling.
For textured ceilings, you can use spray paint as it is less likely to loosen the texture. However, before you spray paint, you also need to consider its practicality, especially if the room is occupied.
The best method, therefore, is rolling paint once. Do not employ a back and forth motion as this loosens the texture. If a second coat of paint is needed, allow the first coat to dry before adding another coat in the perpendicular direction.
With the above tips, you are more than able to get the job done like a professional and using the least time possible.
