Ceiling Painting Tips

Painting ceiling is albeit an easier task as compared to other interior painting jobs, but only when you are a pro at it. If you are a beginner, you may find it pretty tedious. Moreover, if you do not proceed with care, chances are that you might ruin the entire paint job and also cause damage to your furniture or carpet. Hence, it is imperative that you first understand the correct procedure for painting ceilings and only then proceed to the actual job. Following are the guidelines that will help you in your painting project.

Clear the Room
You need to prepare the room before you begin with your painting job. Clear the room off all the furniture and other things, that are likely to get spilled with paint. If possible, roll the carpet and move it to the other room. Cover the floor with old newspapers, in case the carpet cannot be removed. Similarly, cover the non-detachable hardware to protect it from spilling paint.

Prepare the Surface
Once, you have emptied the room and cleared it for painting, it is now time to prepare the surface for painting. Ceiling is not cleaned and painted as often as walls, hence they need to be prepared before cleaning. Take a long broom and remove all the cobwebs and visible dirt from the ceiling. Inspect the ceiling and check if there is a need for patching. If yes, you'll have to do the patching work before you apply the paint. Allow the patching compound to dry properly before you proceed with the paint. Smooth out the surface with a sand paper and make an even texture throughout. Applying a coat of primer before the paint is always a good idea.

Cut-In
Cut-in refers to painting the areas of the ceiling, that cannot be reached with a paint roller. This includes the edges and corners where the ceiling meets a wall. If you are going to paint the walls after you have painted the ceiling then you need not worry too much about spilling the paint on walls, else use a painter's tape to cover the edges. Use a paint brush and pour the paint into a small container that can be carried onto the ladder. Use this technique even if its a popcorn ceiling painting or a textured ceiling painting.

Painting with a Roller
Finally, it is the time for actual painting of the ceiling. Pour the paint in the tray and use a roller to spread it evenly on the ceiling. Do not let the roller anywhere near the edges, else you might end up painting the walls as well. Apply 2-3 coats and give sometime for each coat to dry. If you apply the second coat immediately after the first, the paint may peel off after a few days.

General Tips

• Always buy a good quality paint, so that you don't have to apply it very often.
• Although, it is customary to paint the ceiling in white, you may choose any other shade, but make sure it is lighter than the walls. Darker hues create a claustrophobic ambiance and make the ceiling appear low.
• Buy sufficient quantity of paint to avoid trips to the paint store. Also, it may become difficult to match shades if you are mixing colors.
• Wear comfortable clothes and rubber shoes with a firm grip on the ladder.
• Arrange for all the tools well before you begin your painting project.

Painting ceiling can be a lot more fun, if you follow all the painting ceiling tips given above. Moreover, if you accomplish the job the way you had planned it, you'll have something to be proud of.