How to Paint a Ceiling

by Julia Millay Walsh 0

One of the simplest ways to expand the visual height of a room is to paint your ceiling, as the effect draws the eyes upward. Unfortunately, I rarely see it done, so I thought I'd offer you a few tips and ideas for the task. (My inspiration was this beautiful living room in a house tour I just discovered.)

• If you want to really draw attention, paint tin ceiling tiles to add graphic interest.
• If you are painting a textured ceiling, buy a roller with a thick nap to make sure you get in all the nooks and crannies.
• Instead of painting your ceiling and crown molding the same color, use different shades to create contrast and accentuate the architectural details of your molding.
• Get yourself an extension handle so you can stand on the floor to paint instead of moving a ladder around the room. You can even use the end of a broom if the roller handle will accept it.
• Use a regular paint brush to paint what's called a "cut-in line" around the edge of the ceiling, where you'd have trouble painting with a roller.

Read on for five more tips!

• Keep the edge of your ceiling wet at all times when you are rolling the paint on to prevent lines and bumps. Choosing slow-drying paint for this reason will come in handy.
• When rolling the paint on, paint in a zigzag pattern and then go over it later in strips to ensure the paint is applied evenly.
• If you have a friend to help you, remove the furniture from the room before you start painting. Otherwise, use dropcloths to protect the furniture if you cannot move it.
• To save you time and money, have your primer tinted so that only one topcoat will be needed.
• Be sure to squeeze out excess paint on the roller by pushing it back and forth in the tray every time you load up on paint.