If your ceiling hasn’t been painted before, the best way to paint it is with a spray gun.
Don’t forget to place drop cloths or plastic on the floor too. [3] X Expert Source Patrick CoyePainting Specialist Expert Interview. 22 July 2020.
If you’re painting the walls along with the ceiling, you obviously don’t have to worry about covering them and creating a seal with paint. You still need to cover the fixtures, windows, doors, and baseboards, though. A tight seal is especially important if you’re planning to spray the ceiling. You can go with a looser seal when you’re rolling on the paint.
It’s also a good idea to wear a hat to cover you head. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re wearing old clothing or disposable coveralls that you don’t mind ruining.
Spray acoustic texture works best on areas of damage that are 16-inches by 16-inches or less. If your ceiling has never been painted before, you can remove damaged areas by applying water to them and scraping away the damage. [8] X Expert Source Patrick CoyePainting Specialist Expert Interview. 22 July 2020. Make sure to seal any areas of water damage with an oil-based, stain blocking primer that’s been thinned with water by approximately 25 percent. When you’re checking the ceiling for damage, keep an eye out for dust, dirt, and other debris. Use a feather duster to remove it.
If the ceiling is in a room that is prone to humidity, such as a bathroom or kitchen, a satin or semi-gloss finish paint is actually the best option. Try to use as high quality a paint as you can afford. The better the paint, the less you’ll have to use and the less effort it’ll take to apply it. While you may pay more for a single can of high quality paint, you’ll need less to cover the ceiling so you can get away with buying fewer cans.
Using a dark color can be a good option if your ceiling is high and gives the room an imposing feeling. A richer shade on the ceiling can help make the space feel warmer and cozier.
You don’t want to dilute the paint too much, so it’s a good idea to start by adding 8-ounces, or ¼-quart, of water to the paint and dabbing it on a corner of the ceiling to test how it applies. If it’s still too thick, add more water. To determine if you’ve thinned the paint enough, pour some through a funnel. If it passes through it easily, you’ve got the consistency right. If it doesn’t pass through freely, add more water.
If you don’t paint regularly, there’s no need to purchase a paint sprayer. You can usually rent them from hardware stores, home improvement centers, and tool rental companies. Make sure to read the instructions on how to fill the sprayer with paint carefully. It can vary from model to model.
When you spray the cardboard, make sure that the spray pattern is intact, without any breaks. Make sure to examine the tip itself. If you notice that it’s rounded or has grooves along the edge, it is probably worn out and should be replaced.
Be sure to hold the sprayer so it’s perpendicular to the ceiling. [15] X Research source When you finish with one strip of the ceiling, overlap the painted section with your next pass over the surface for the most complete coverage.
Allow the paint to dry for approximately one to two hours between coats. If the ceiling looks patchy after two coats, you may want to apply a third coat in third direction for more complete coverage.
Make sure that your roller extension pole is long enough for you to comfortably reach the ceiling. You’ll probably need a ladder to help you get close enough, though.
Remember to place a roller screen inside the bucket. That will allow you to get the excess paint off your roller so you don’t splatter it as you’re painting.
When you begin rolling on the paint, start near a corner and work in small sections. Avoid going back and forth with the roller over the same areas or you may loosen the ceiling’s texture and knock it off.
A 2-inch trim brush works well for cutting in the edges.
If you try to apply another coat while the ceiling is still wet, you may wind up pulling off some of the popcorn texture.
