Our ceiling painting guide includes when to do it and what tools to use.
If the mere thought of painting a ceiling makes your neck hurt, we hear you.
But this step is necessary to make a freshly painted room look complete.
Photo: Getty Images
Considerations Before You Get Started
One question everyone asks: Should youpaint the wallsor ceiling first?
If you’re planning to paint the entire room, start with the ceiling.
To make cutting in easier, check that you’re using theappropriate ladderfor the ceiling height.
Getty Images
Straining to reach is not only dangerous, but it will likely result in sore muscles the next day.
Getting too long of an extension pole means you’ll be carrying more weight than is necessary.
Then verify if the surface needs any touchups.
Getty Images
If the ceiling needs a second coat, wait until the first coat is completely dry.
With latex paint, that means waiting between 1 - 4 hours before applying the second coat.
Minimize clean-up efforts by prepping properly.
Getty Images
At a minimum, move out as much furniture as possible and use drop cloths.
However, you could use a flat wall paint if that’s what you have on hand.
Whether or not you paint your ceiling and walls the same color depends on your personal preference.
duh84/Getty Images
Experts suggest that a lighter ceiling brightens up a room.
If you paint over a newly dried section, you risk streaks.
confirm your first coat is completely dry before doing a second coat, then cover the entire surface again.
eyecrave / Getty Images
Large areas of touch-ups are not recommended for a second coat.
But roll off any excess because too much paint can cause splatters.
Tetra Images/Getty Images
Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Getty Images
