Painting the ceilings in your home is one of those projects that might seem straightforward at first glance but can end up being quite a messy hassle—especially if you have paint dripping and splattering all over the place! However, it doesn’t have to be this way; with a little careful preparation and using the right techniques and equipment, you can ensure even coverage, beautiful results, and clean floors afterwards. Here are a few must-know tips to keep in mind.
1. Thorough Preparation Is Important
A clean, well-prepared space is essential for any painting job, but certainly for those that involve ceilings. Move furniture out of the way if possible or cover up any pieces too large to move with plastic drop cloths. Use these to also cover the floors of the rooms you’ll be painting in, too. In addition to using covers, be sure to tape off the edges of walls, outlets, light fixtures, fan blades, and anything else you don’t want to get paint on. Be sure the room you’re working in is well-ventilated, too.
2. Work in Smaller Sections Using a Proper Technique
Instead of trying to cover the entire ceiling at once (which is a rookie mistake), separate it into sections that are more manageable to paint: ideally, 3×3-foot sectors. This allows you to keep a wet edge while painting, which ensures a more even and consistent finish. You only need to overlap your paint edge slightly as you work, moving slowly and methodically across each section; don’t take large, deliberate strokes or apply too much pressure. If you’ve painted vertical walls before, you can use the same “W” shape or zigzag method to spread paint evenly while reducing the risk of roller spatter.
3. Don’t Use Too Much Paint on Your Roller
One of the biggest causes of ceiling drippage is applying too much paint at once on your roller. Instead, load it evenly and then roll it on the tray’s ridges to remove any excess paint. Then, get started with a light touch on the ceiling, building even coverage gradually with overlapping strokes. Also, an extension pole for your roller will give you much more control over it, rather than trying to use a shorter one at the top of a ladder.
Painting your ceiling doesn’t have to be messy; with the right approach, you can get a crisp, clean finish without battling drips or splatter. Of course, you can also opt to hire a team of professionals to handle all your painting needs, including transforming your ceilings; they’re certain to get the job done beautifully without any of the mess!
About Platinum Painting
Our team here at Platinum Painting has helped countless homeowners all around DFW over the last 15 years to transform their homes. We proudly offer a wide variety of interior and exterior painting services for homes of all sizes—and we’d be happy to help you paint your ceilings! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a FREE in-home estimate, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us online or call for assistance.
Tarrant County Telephone: (817) 697-2726.
Dallas/Denton/Collin County Telephone: (817) 993-4095.