The Dos and Don’ts of Painting Your Ceiling

ECOS Paints 03/05/2021
The Dos and Don’ts of Painting Your Ceiling

The Sistine Chapel’s ceiling is a work of art on a scale those of us without artistic backgrounds can’t fathom. Most of us don’t have hope of being Michelangelo. But that doesn’t mean we can’t create masterpieces in our homes by painting a ceiling that perfectly compliments our interior design. All you have to do is follow the dos and don’ts of painting a ceiling.

Dos

Choose the Right Paint Color

Although there is much debate about the best ceiling colors, what you do or don’t do when painting your ceiling is up to you. You can either match the rest of the room or contrast it, depending on what look you want to create.

Match

In most houses, the homeowners choose to match, painting the ceiling the same color as the rest of the room. If this is the direction you want to go, talk to the salespeople about choosing a paint at half the strength. This will add a subtle, bright contrast without losing the sense of seamlessness.

Contrast

There are a plethora of options available for contrasting the ceiling’s paint. A few of them include:

  • Use a Darker Color: This will give your room a more sophisticated look and will make it feel smaller and more intimate.
  • Use a Lighter Color: This will make your room seem lighter and more open, especially when contrasted with darker walls.
  • Use a Design: If you have a themed children’s bedroom or nursery, you can paint clouds, stars, and other designs for a whimsical effect.

Whatever color you use, opt for paint without high gloss, such as eggshell or matte. This will help hide any imperfections in the ceiling.

Protect the Room Below

Because of gravity, there’s an even higher chance of getting paint on your belongings when you’re painting the ceiling. Be sure to remove or cover the furniture, place drop cloths on the floor, and wear a hat to protect your hair. If you’re painting the entire room, paint the ceiling first so you can cover any drips on the walls with new paint. If you are only painting the ceiling, consider putting plastic on the walls.

Don’ts

Apply Paint Haphazardly

Strategizing your speed is key. After you’ve cut in an inch and a half around the edges with a hand brush, apply roller strokes slowly. This will help avoid unnecessary splatter. While you want to apply your individual strokes slowly, you will want to move from section to section on the ceiling quickly before the last section dries. That way, you won’t have lap marks for a smoother finish.

Ignore Specialty Ceilings

You can paint most ceilings the same way you paint a wall, but some ceilings have unique challenges. We discussed painting popcorn ceilings in a previous blog. But vaulted, tray, and coffered ceilings also provide their own challenges. Always remember to start at the highest point of your ceiling and work your way to the lower sections.

Ready to create a masterpiece? ECOS Paint has a fine collection of zero VOC* paints that will transform your room into your own Sistine Chapel.

Zero VOC - Conforms to CDPH 01350 (VOC emissions test taken at 11, 12, & 14 days for classroom and office use).

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