Blog

How to Paint a Ceiling

20 Jan 2023 Painting Services

Painting your ceiling can be an extremely difficult and time-consuming task, especially if you are unsure of where to begin or if you do not perform all required preparation. As a leading provider of quality interior painting solutions delivered with care, the team at Dunbar Painting knows how difficult some jobs can be. That is why we have provided some information to demonstrate how to paint a ceiling, giving you the information you need to determine if this is a task you can perform yourself or if it would be better left to a professional.

Learn about some of the most common interior painting mistakes and how to avoid them.

3 Steps to Paint a Ceiling

To properly paint your ceiling, follow the steps below:

1. Prepare the Area Under the Ceiling

Since using rollers can cause splatter, it is extremely important to prepare the area beneath your ceiling before you start painting. Cover all furniture items with plastic wrap and protect the floor with paper or drop sheets. If you are not painting your walls, you will also need to mask them to protect them from splatter. If you will be painting your walls the same colour after the ceiling is done, this masking can be skipped.

2. Prepare the Ceiling

After everything under the ceiling has been sufficiently covered and protected, you will need to perform all required prep on the ceiling itself before applying paint. First, remove any light fixtures from the ceiling if possible and mask those that cannot be removed. If your ceiling is dirty, you will also need to degrease it and scrub it to ensure that it is clean. After this work has been completed, you will then need to fill in any cracks or other damage and sand them as needed, as these will show through the new coat of paint.

3. Scuff Sand and Apply 2 Coats of Paint

Before applying paint, it is important to scuff sand the surface as this will promote better paint adhesion. Next, use a brush to paint around the permitter and any objects in the ceiling such as smoke detectors, lights, and other features that could not be removed. Once this has been completed, use a roller to apply the first coat of paint in one direction. After this coat is dry, use a roller to apply the second coat of paint in the other direction.

To learn more about our interior and exterior painting services or to discuss the details of your project, get in touch with the team at Dunbar Painting. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services or your project.