Before we dig into the “how” of ceiling painting, let’s quickly touch on the “why.”
Ceilings too often are seen as forgettable blank space, covered in an off-white and then left to hang there until they beg for attention in one way or another. In reality, a freshly-painted, well-chosen ceiling color can add huge personality to a room. Off-white is fine, but it can be even more fun to explore the world of color.
Painting Your Ceiling in 6 Steps
- Clear the room. It takes extra time, but you’ll be glad you did.
- Lay down drop cloths.
- Remove or mask any fixtures that might be in your way.
- Cut in around the edges about 3 inches from the wall with your brush (an angled sash brush is a good choice!)
- And… paint! Roll in smooth, straight lines, and slow down as you approach your wall for maximum control.
- Make sure to paint your ceiling completely in one session so that it doesn’t dry unevenly.
As a side note, you may want to use a coat of primer first. It’s not always necessary, but it does add a smooth foundation and locks out any stains or blemishes that might otherwise poke through your paint.
How Do You Avoid Drips While Painting Your Ceiling?
This is one of the primary frustrations that homeowners run into.
Here are a couple important tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t load too much paint! It can be easy to over-saturate your roller, whether you simply don’t mean to or are trying to get the most product possible onto the surface. As you put your roller into the tray, keep in mind that the goal is just to lightly coat it. Dip it slightly into the section where the paint is deepest, then roll it out into the shallower portion to get the excess off.
- Don’t push the roller too hard. Rolling is a gentle, precise process, and pressing too hard can result in an uneven finish and those pesky drips.
Can We Help with Your Interior Painting Project?
If you have a Portland house painting project in mind, why not contact us at Sundeleaf Painting? It would be our pleasure to serve you, and to provide a smooth, beautiful, drip-free experience.