How to paint a ceiling

Whether you go for an acrylic paint for a new surface or an oil-based paint to cover up an old one, a matte finish will do a better job at hiding any unevenness or brush marks.

If you have a wooden ceiling, however, you can opt for a glossy finish; in this case, it will reflect the light nicely and you don't have to worry about any irregularities showing up.

No matter whether you go for a one- or two-coat paint, more often than not, you will have to apply a second coat of paint.

Steps

1. Preparing the ceiling

2. Protecting the floor and furniture

3. Painting skirting boards and edges

4. Painting the ceiling

5. Finishing up and cleaning

The secret to making sure your paintwork is neat and your paint adheres properly is to start by preparing your surface as best as possible.

This step is essential if you want to ensure your paint adheres well and to create a smooth finish! The type of prep work you do depends on the condition of the surface.

Generally speaking, you should at least dust your ceiling before cleaning using a multi-purpose cleaning product and rinsing thoroughly. Fill in and repair any holes and cracks and finish by lightly sanding using 120 grit sandpaper.

Once you've finished preparing your surface and your ceiling is ready to paint, apply your undercoat and paint following the same steps.

Cover up your floor and furniture using paint sheets fixed in place with masking tape (preferably using a wide tape).

Line all around the edges of your ceiling with masking tape.

Paint all edges using a round brush or a special edging brush.

You don't have to use masking tape but it does make the job easier.

Do not apply too much paint to the brush or you risk leaving brush marks and don't try to stretch your paint too far as modern paints are designed to provide good coverage on their own.

Ideally, your rooms should be between 15 and 20°: any warmer and the paint will dry too quickly; any cooler and the paint may not adhere as well and leave marks.

Wash and wipe off your roller before dipping it in the paint; this will help to remove any loose fibres from the brush and help the paint to penetrate into the roller.

It's important to mix the paint well to ensure the pigments are evenly distributed (these are the heaviest components and tend to settle at the bottom of the can). Paint your ceiling all in one go, starting at the brightest point and working in the same direction all the way along (you don't need to double over your roller strokes). Take a step back and look for the best angle to check your paintwork if you have any doubts.

Do not press too firmly on the roller or the paint may spray.

Remove the masking tape before the paint has dried, pulling it at a 45° angle to break the paint film.

Keep your roller sealed in a plastic bag between coats to prevent it from drying out; this way, you don't need to wash it.

Before cleaning your paint brushes, leave them to soak overnight. You'll find that much of the paint settles at the bottom of the container making cleaning easier. Dispose of your waste by taking it to a suitable recycling centre.

Required skills

You don't need any particular skills to repaint a ceiling; simply follow this guide!

Tools and equipment

• Optional accessories