DIY Guide: Painting a Ceiling

Listed below is my personal experience on how to paint a ceiling. Trust me when I say that it is better to be prepared when it comes to this project then to jump right in it with open arms so please read on.

Step 1:
Choose the right ceiling paint. You can not just put your basic paint on a ceiling. They do have paint made especially for this project. Check out Home Depot for their Behr Premium Plus Interior Ceiling Paint. A two gallon bucket will cost you around $25. While you are there, pick up their specific brushes (with handles) for painting a ceiling. If you have a flat, smooth ceiling surface then any brush will do. If you have popcorn or sponged surfaced ceilings then you will need their brushes made just for this purpose.

Step 2:
Paint in the fall when there is not as much humidity in the air. Dryness with the weather will make your paint dry faster.

Step 3:
Clean your ceiling before you paint it. Take a dust rag, or dust brush and go over the entire ceiling. There are spider webs up there even if you can't see them!

Step 4:
If you are not painting your walls, or have already painted your walls and do not want to get paint from the ceiling onto the walls, line the edge of the ceiling with painters tape. The wider the tape the better because then you will not have to be as cautious like you would have to be if you placed a smaller version of painters tape down.

Step 5:
Remove EVERYTHING from the room if possible. If this is not possible then cover all your furniture with either painters clothes, or (and I think this works better) a cheap shower curtain liner. Also place drop cloths all over the floor.

Step 6:
If you have a ceiling fan or light, I suggest you remove those from the ceiling. It makes it easier and painting will go faster if you do so!

Now you are ready to go!