If the mere thought of painting overhead gives you a pain in the neck, we hear you. This is one of the reasons why the ceiling, also known as the “fifth wall,” is often ignored when it comes to painting and decorating. However, this step is necessary for house painting in San Ramon to make a freshly painted room look complete.
Painting is a relatively quick and cost-effective way to refresh and update the look of your home. Like your walls, your ceiling also needs to be repainted from time to time. However, painting the ceiling has a different approach than painting the walls, making the task a bit more challenging.
To make sure that the process is as easy and painless as possible while still producing a fantastic finish, Custom Painting, Inc. shares some tips to finish the job quickly and effectively. From choosing the right supplies to adopting the best techniques, here are the following tips for painting the ceiling the right way.
Before you get started…
One of the usual questions that many DIY painters ask is: “Should I paint the ceilings first or the walls first?” If you’re planning to paint the entire room, begin with the ceiling. That way, you don’t have to worry about paint dripping down the wall as you roll onto the ceiling’s surface. The drips will get touched up as you paint all the way down to the walls.
However, you can only do that if you plan to paint the entire room with the same color. If you decide to put a dramatic color for the ceiling that will contrast the walls, you will want to tape it off between the top of the wall and the ceiling. Another, be careful not to get the paint on the walls.
What type of paint is best for the ceiling?
Ceilings do not receive much wear and tear, so a glossy and durable paint finish is not necessary. So, ceilings should almost always be painted in flat or matte paints. Another fact about flat paints is that they do not reflect light or draw attention away from the walls, decor, and furnishings.
But if you want to add some depth and drama to your home, apply your ceiling with paints that have a significant amount of sheen, such as eggshell, satin, or even semi-gloss. Glossy paints reflect a lot of light, so they may be good for small rooms or rooms that lack natural light. Ceilings with glossy paints will give the illusion of a brighter and higher room.
A reminder: surface flaws, brush marks, and lap marks are tricky to hide with glossy paints, so be sure to prepare the surfaces expertly before painting them.
Choosing a step ladder for ceiling painting – things to consider
A strong, stable, and reliable ladder is essential for ceiling painting. The material, height, and performance rating are some factors you should consider when choosing a step ladder.
- Fiberglass ladders – They are strong, stable, and highly resistant to corrosion. Fiberglass ladders are lighter than wood ladders but heavier than aluminum ones. If you’re working with electricity, going for fiberglass is safe. However, they can sustain long-term sun damage if left or stored outside.
- Aluminum ladders – They are probably the most common material for step ladders. Aluminum ladders are lightweight but strong and stable. Painting the ceiling often involves dealing with electrical wires and power lines. Since aluminum conducts electricity, it can be dangerous around electrical work.
- Wood ladders – Wooden ladders are the heaviest of the three. While they are safe to use around electrical work and power lines, they are prone to warping, shrinking, mold and mildew, pests, and rot.
Choosing a paint roller cover and roller frame
The quickest and easiest possible way to paint on ceilings is by rolling. You should use a 3/8” roller cover for ceilings, which can hold enough paint. But if your ceiling is textured, buy a thicker roller cover, preferably ¾”. It should hold more paint to get into the dents and crevices of the surfaces.
As for the roller frame, you should use the bigger one, which is better for wide surfaces like ceilings.
Choosing an extension pole for paint rollers
If you’re going to paint a considerably tall ceiling, you may need a paint roller extension pole. This will save you from stepping up on a ladder or help you reach a higher-than-usual ceiling if stepping on a ladder alone is not enough.
- The first thing you’re likely to consider is the length and adjustability of the extension pole. Choosing a pole that extends to your required or desired height is important.
- The extension pole should also be collapsible for easy storage and maneuverability. An extension pole with a telescopic design is often preferred due to its versatility.
- You should also consider the material. Choose an extension pole made of sturdy materials like fiberglass or aluminum, which allows you to hold and maneuver the roller more firmly and effectively, especially in smaller or narrower spaces. Stay away from plastic extension poles – they tend to be wobbly.
- The compatibility of the paint roller frame with various roller sizes is also important. Make sure the frame you choose securely holds different roller sizes, particularly if you plan to use it for various paint jobs.
- You don’t want to end up with sore hands from painting the ceiling, so you should also consider the ergonomics of the extension pole. The pole should have a comfortable grip to reduce hand fatigue, which will be helpful, especially if you’re going to paint for an extended time.
What you’ll need:
- Roller with an extension handle.
- Drop cloths: you can also use newspapers, but canvas cloths are preferred. They should be taped down with painter’s tape to secure them.
- Roller cover.
- Roller tray; metal trays are the preferred option.
- Three-to-four-inch good quality paintbrush.
- Good-quality painters’ tape.
- Rags to wipe off spills.
- Primer or a good sealant.
- Goggles and a face mask are recommended to protect your face from dripping paint
Steps to paint the ceiling
- Move the furniture pieces out of the room. If they can’t be moved, cover them with drop cloths.
- Protect the crown molding (the area between the top of the wall and ceiling), trim, and baseboards with painter’s tape to prevent paint from dripping down the wall. Otherwise, skip this step if you’re also going to paint the walls.
- Start by cutting in on the ceiling using a paintbrush about 3 inches wide around its perimeter. If you used the primer for the ceiling, be sure to apply it in the same direction. Using the same direction means the roller doesn’t have to touch the wall or trim when you begin rolling directly.
- Coat the roller cover evenly with paint from the paint tray. Use left to right strokes instead of up and back, and refill the roller cover. Do not overfill the cover with paint, or you may experience dripping paint. You may not notice if you have stepped on dripped paint on a drop cloth. If that is the case, you may then track paint into other areas of the house, so be careful. If the roller holds too much paint, use the textured sides of the paint tray to roll off any excess.
- Roll the paint carefully and steadily. You don’t have to rush things!
- Once the entire ceiling is painted, allow it to dry for at least 30 minutes. Then, check the surface if it needs any touchups. If you decide to apply a second coat of paint, be sure to wait until the first coat is completely dry. If you’re using latex paints, you’ll need to wait 1 to 4 hours before applying the second coat.
- Once the painting is done, clean the space. Painting a ceiling may lead to lots of drips and splatters therefore, cleaning after the paint job may require more time and effort than cleaning after painting the wall.
The ceiling is the part of the house that is often ignored when it comes to decorating. But you will be surprised that painting it can give a whole new look to your room! If you are unable to paint for whatever reason, contact Custom Painting, Inc. or other professional painters to do the house painting in San Ramon.
