{"id":3582,"date":"2022-03-26T12:16:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-26T16:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/?p=3582"},"modified":"2024-02-28T11:18:36","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T16:18:36","slug":"rules-for-painting-ceilings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/rules-for-painting-ceilings\/","title":{"rendered":"Rules For Painting Ceilings: What To Do & What Not To Do (+ Pictures!)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wondering if you need to know anything specific before painting a ceiling? Well, look no further because I have your answer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some rules of thumb to follow when painting a ceiling include using flat, bright white paint, removing cobwebs and light fixtures, tarping the ground, painting near windows first, rolling parallel to the windows, and using an 18-inch roller to paint faster.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few more rules that you’ll want to know about before picking up the paintbrush that I’ll cover below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s break into the details a little further so you can fully understand what you need to do to get the best paint finish on your ceiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Navigation: Where To Start When Painting A Ceiling<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Use A Flat Paint Sheen<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Use A Bright White Paint<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Tarp Everything Before Painting<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Remove Light Fixtures Before Painting<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Remove Any Dust Or Cobwebs Before Painting<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Paint The Ceiling Before The Walls<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Cut The Edges With A Brush First<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Use An 18-inch Roller For Faster Painting<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Avoid Globbing Paint On The Roller<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Start Rolling By Painting Near The Window\/Largest Light Source<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. Roll Parallel To The Largest Light Source<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. Paint At Least 2 Coats<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  13. Other FAQs About Painting Ceilings<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  14. Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Level Of Difficulty<\/th>Time To Complete<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Medium<\/td>2-4 Hours<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    Material List<\/th>Tool List<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Flat, Bright White Ceiling Paint<\/a><\/td>18-Inch Paint Roller Frame<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Drop cloth<\/td>18-Inch Paint Roller Cover<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Painter’s Tape<\/a><\/td>18-Inch Paint Tray<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Stir Stick<\/td>18-Inch Paint Tray Liner<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Broom<\/td>Paint Roller Extension Pole<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    (Possibly) Ladder<\/td>Paintbrush<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    <\/td>Paint Multitool<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    <\/td>Screwdriver<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rule One: Use A Flat Paint Sheen<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The first rule for painting ceilings is to choose paint that is in a flat sheen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    DO: Use A Flat Finish On The Ceiling To Hide Imperfections<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Ceilings benefit greatly from a flat paint sheen because:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Flat paint hides flaws and imperfections the best<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. The ceiling is not touched regularly so it doesn’t need the slick surface of a satin or semi-gloss paint to make it easier to clean<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      As your house settles over time, hairline cracks will inevitably show up on your ceiling. What makes those tiny cracks stand out more prominently on your ceiling is a shiny surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Without the shine in flat paint, the cracks will not be highlighted. Instead, they will blend in better with the rest of the surroundings just like you want a ceiling to do.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      For help choosing the best white ceiling paint (broken down by brand), check out my article here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"
      You can still see the imperfection in the ceiling above my hallway, but in person, it’s not that noticeable. However, if the ceiling was painted in satin, it would stick out like a sore thumb.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      DON’T: Use An Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Or Gloss Finish On The Ceiling<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      The biggest mistake you can make on this rule of thumb is choosing a paint finish that is as shiny as satin, semi-gloss, or (the worst) gloss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      When the light reflects on these shiny paint sheens, any imperfections are basically put in a spotlight. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      For painted pieces of wood or metal that don’t have many flaws that you need to hide, these sheens work great to make them stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      However, ceilings (and drywall in general) do have these small imperfections that are impossible to get rid of (just the nature of drywall or plaster) so these paint sheens make your paint job turn out poorly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If choosing paint sheens seems confusing, no worries. I have a full guide on when to use each paint sheen for different items around your house. Check out that article here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Rule Two: Use A Bright White Paint<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      The next rule for painting ceilings is to use bright white paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      DO: Use Bright White Paint On The Ceiling<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      White paint is excellent for ceilings because it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n