Ceiling painting tips for the homeowner.

We know that hiring a painting contractor isn’t always the best option. If you are going to paint a ceiling yourself, here are a few tips from the professionals at Dukes Painting and Repair.

It’s a good idea to paint the ceiling first.

If you are painting the entire room, you should paint the ceiling first. When painting a ceiling, it is inevitable to have drips and splatter. If you aren’t painting the walls as well, you will need to cover them with plastic or be prepared to wipe up any splatter immediately.

Popcorn Texture

That “great” invention from the 70s that seems to be nothing but an eyesore now. If you have this kind of ceiling in your house, I am sorry. Painting these can be tricky. If they have never been painted before, it is easiest to rent a sprayer for the job. Or you can buy a cheap sprayer from a home improvement store.

If you try to roll this stuff, there is a good chance that it will just fall off the ceiling. It will stick to your roller, and if it isn’t adhered well enough, it may just fall off in big clumps. Not to mention how difficult this stuff is to brush (cut in). You will find that a sprayer will save you lots of time and money. Remember to mask the walls with painters plastic.

Use a flat paint on the ceiling

Traditionally, ceilings are textured because it is very difficult to get them completely smooth. Working overhead is a pain, and construction professionals have found it easier to just texture the ceiling to hide the imperfections.

This is why ceilings are traditionally painted with flat paint. Flat paints hide imperfections. White or light colors hide imperfections as well. They also have the added benefit of making the room feel larger.

If your room is already large and you want to make it feel more cozy, feel free to experiment with darker colors on the ceiling.

Choose the correct roller for the job.

If you’ve decided to roll your ceiling, make sure to select the correct roller cover for the job.

When painting textured or rough ceilings, use a larger napped roller. A 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch nap will work best. The thicker the nap, the faster your job will be.

When painting smooth ceilings, use a short napped roller. Sometimes a 1/2 inch nap will do the trick, but you may want to opt for a 3/8 inch nap for really fine work.

I always recommend a “white” roller cover. Every manufacturer makes this type and calls them by different names. They are most often described as “woven fabric” or “woven fiber” roller covers and are almost always white in color. This type of roller is superior because it doesn’t shed. Cheaper roller naps will leave hairs in your finished work.

Hire a pro if you need help

And as always, if you need help, you can contact us for a free consultation and estimate.