There are some DIY projects that are a lot of fun and rewarding and then there is painting ceilings. I was so happy that the ceilings in our last house didn’t need to be repainted, but the ceilings in every other house we’ve owned have needed to be painted. I don’t think painting ceilings is really that terrible, but they aren’t as rewarding as ones that are dramatically different when you’re done. You could spend an entire day painting a ceiling, clean it all up, and other than a lingering scent of paint, your family would probably have no idea how hard you worked. You painted a white surface white. And, not only that, but it took two coats to do it properly. In this post, I’ll share some tips on painting ceilings that I’ve learned over the years.
So, painting ceilings is a literal pain in the neck and most people are never going to notice your beautifully painted ceiling. But, people will notice ceilings that need to be painted and so will you. It’s the kind of thing that can be a distraction from a beautiful room. It’s worth pushing through and getting it done especially before you paint the walls, if possible.
This week, we’re working on painting Calvin’s room and I’ve been kicking it off the past couple of days by painting the ceiling in his room as well as a couple of sections of the living room ceiling while I had the paint out.
I’m a little embarrassed that our 15-year-old has been living in a pink and beige room for a year, but it wasn’t as simple as rolling some paint on the walls. We need to wash wallpaper glue off of the pink wall, patch a large hole that’s behind the dresser from a spigot repair, and replace the trim around the window that was damaged a few years ago by termites. (I was treated and it’s not an issue now, but the trim needs to be replaced as a result.) As in other rooms, we also have to paint everything…the ceilings, trim, walls, and doors. But, we’re getting it done this week and the room will be totally transformed. Painting the ceilings was the first step.
tips for painting ceilings | plan for two coats
With as much as I’ve worked with paint over the years, I will never understand why it takes so many coats to cover a surface that’s already white with white paint. Well, it’s because white paint doesn’t have a lot of pigment in it that helps with coverage, but it’s still baffling when it seems like one coat should do the trick. When you’re painting ceilings, even if they are already covered in white ceiling paint, plan on needing to apply two coats for full coverage and to do it properly. If painting ceilings didn’t stink enough, it’s even worse when you spend the time to do it and then you have to do it again a few days, weeks, or years because you can see spots you missed or where you didn’t get good coverage. While you have the paint and tools out, the furniture pushed out of the way, and paint splatters in your hair, just do two coats and you’ll be glad you did.
tips for painting ceilings | turn off the lights
I know this sounds a little counterintuitive, but it’s much easier to judge a painted ceiling in natural light. The light from windows and doors streams across the window, revealing where the paint is wet, where it’s dry, and where you’ve missed. When the ceiling is dry, you’ll be able to see any missed areas better with the lights off and the blinds open. If the room doesn’t have a window, you obviously need to turn a light on and just do the best you can.
tips for painting ceilings | protect surfaces
I think it’s safe to assume that we’ll all put down some drop cloths and/or plastic when painting a ceiling, but I’d like to suggest a specific way to do it. When I’m painting ceilings, I work in sections and just cover the section where I’m working. It requires fewer drop cloths and I think it’s more efficient when you’re working solo. If two or more people are working together, then I would cover all of the soft surfaces to eliminate dripping on anything that would be difficult to clean.
tips for painting ceilings | use an extension pole
I almost always use an extension pole whenever I’m using a roller. It really is a back-saver and reduces the need to use a stepladder. For most painting jobs, I find a 4′ fixed extension pole to be the best option. It allows me to reach the ceiling and floor comfortably without having too much excess pole to manage. I used to have a much longer, adjustable extension pole and it was too awkward for most painting situations. So, when I’m painting the ceiling, I just need to use the stepladder to cut in a brush and I can do the rest while standing.
tips for painting ceilings | use quality tools
I can’t stress enough how important it is to use quality tools and the best paint that fits your budget. I would go cheap on roller trays, liners, roller frames, and drop cloths. If possible, splurge on at least one good brush, roller covers (I like ), primer, and paint. A good synthetic brush with a comfortable handle will make painting easier. The paint will go on smoother and you’ll get a sharper edge, which is important for cutting in. is my favorite brush, but any quality 2″ to 2 1/2″ angled sash brush that is comfortable for your hand will be fine. You can read about all of my favorite paint tools in THIS POST. I used Eminence High-Performance Ceiling Paint by Sherwin Williams, but again, just use the best quality ceiling paint you can afford.
Calvin’s ceiling has two coats on it and it’s completely done, so my mom is coming tomorrow to wash off the glue, prime that wall with a specialty primer, and then we’ll prime and paint his walls and trim.
I’m planning on painting the living room next week in order to have it ready to decorate for Christmas, so it was nice to get a couple of sections of ceiling finished. I took a picture to show the difference between the freshly painted section of the ceiling and a section that hasn’t been painted yet. The painted side is on the right and you can see that it’s a bit brighter. Ceilings, just start to get dingy after 10-15 years. There were also some splatters and stains on these ceilings, so it’s nice to give them a fresh start.
See, it’s not a very dramatic before and after, but I appreciate it!
I’m going to be painting the beams, so I didn’t tape them off and I wasn’t too careful. I can’t wait to get this room painted and then dress it all up for the holidays.
But first, more painting…
You can find more painting posts here…
Thanks for sharing your tips and I want to order that paint brush too.
I have been putting off painting some of our ceilings but after reading your tips it doesn’t sound as monumental. Winter project! Thank you.
Marian, you are an amazing person especially in the DIY space. You know how to do it all but install a roof ! HaHa ! Just love all the progress you have made in your “new” home ! Do your 2 boys help in anyway with your reno ?
Good tips! I remember every time I was in my bed, I’d see a spot (or 2) that I’d missed painting. Your eyes just go to it every time!
Marian, you are such an inspiration … but not so inspiring that I’m ready to run out and paint our ceilings, LOL! I don’t mind painting walls and trim, but ceilings … only in the most dire situations! (I’d rather turn off the lights so no one can tell how ugly the ceilings are! ) Our house was painted about 12-13 years ago when it was first renovated, and I’m starting to see so many places that need some “painterly” love … doors, trim around doors and windows, etc. Now I’m trying to decide if I want to handle all this myself or find someone else to paint for us this time. Decisions, decisions!
I know our ceilings need painted. But they are textured. Not popcorn, more of a splat and swirl. Any tips? No way an I getting them scraped and redone.
Loretta I have those ceilings. They really aren’t any different to paint.
I used ceiling paint that went on lavender and dried white so you can see where you’ve painted.
I normally read every word of your postings but not this one. I have no intention of ever painting ANYTHING again! I have always done my own painting and remodeling every time we moved into a new (to us) house. I once spent two years restoring an 1829 home only to turn around 9 years later sell it and move into a log home which, of course, needed painting and remodeling. I lived in that house for 20 years so, naturally, it needed painting. I am leaving that chore to the new buyers. Hopefully, they read Miss Mustard Seed and can glean some painting tips from this article. Best of luck to them.
I use a brand that is pink when wet and turns white when it dries. So much easier to see where you have painted. I also paint in one direction the first coat and the other (crossways) for the 2nd. We have popcorn, so I have to use the special roller covers with slits in them and for sure have to hit it from two directions. I once had a friend come over in the middle painting and ask if the pink was the final color and I told her that we were going with a circus theme (it was a playroom, so it was kinda plausible). She had no words until I told her about it drying white.
In our house the ceilings are in good shape…except the previous owners were not neat when they painted the walls. So for the whole perimeter of the room there is wall paint creeping up onto the ceiling. So now I have to paint the ceiling in a couple of rooms. Not because the ceilings really need it, but because the walls do. Sigh.
Bless you! What a job!
Pro Tip:
Paint perpendicular to the window or main source of light so that the light runs in the direction of any paint strokes and minimizes them.
I still hate painting ceilings.
Have any of you painted your ceiling a color other than white? Do you like it? I’ve wanted to try it after seeing a friend’s painted. I said I was afraid to try it. He said “it’s only paint”. Still. . .
I painted a small bathroom ceiling the color of the walls (it was a pale blue) and they looked pretty. I think it just has to be the right room and the right color. Also, be aware that darker colors will show more of the roller/brush marks in the window light, so they are a bit trickier to get a professional finish. Using very flat paint will help with that.
As a painting pro I totally agree with all your comments and recommendations regarding painting in general and especially painting ceilings. Generally speaking when on a large painting job I will offer to do all the cutting in if I can trade off someone else doing the ceilings. I also love the short handle paint brush, however, I found 1 that has a blue flexible (possibly rubber handle) that seriously takes cutting in and other precision type painting tasks up a notch especially from a comfort point-of-view (easier on my hands).
Painting ceilings is the worst. Our painters did the ceiling in our game room, stairwell and entry. They went one way and then painted perpendicular for the second coat. That is a tip I will try next time. I’ve been exercising in my daughter’s old room. I thought I’d painted that one but it doesn’t look like it. Yuck.
I love how you make the mundane seem like a worthwhile event!!! I will keep your efforts in mind when we get around to painting our ceilings. We are doing a major overhaul in our house…a new bathroom, taking two walls out to make an open concept space, new electrical…total rec room re-do…I love to watch your progress in your home, I come away with new ideas every time!!!
We removed acoustic, textured, primed and painted the ceilings in the house we were moving in to over 10 years ago. We were younger then but still not very young. I spent weeks with my arms in the air, more or less. I had neck pains for years from an old car wreck. Some how or other I built muscles and I kid you not when I say it fixed my neck pain ever since. The ceilings turned out beautiful. It was a ton of work but still looks good. Your home is beautiful. If I were ever to visit I would appreciate the ceilings.