Paint Your Ceiling

With proper preparation, painting your ceiling is an easy do-it-yourself home project that can redefine an entire room.

Head to your local True Value hardware store for all the tools and materials you need to paint your ceiling. Our Certified Color Experts^® will give you the advice you need to make your painting project a success.

Step 1. Choose Your Color
When it comes to picking a color, think about your options. White is a common choice, but it can actually make ceilings appear lower in rooms with low ceilings and more distant in rooms with high ceilings. If you have a low ceiling, try a shade or two lighter than the color of your walls. When painting a high ceiling, paint it a shade or two darker. These tricks can create the illusion of space in a low-ceilinged room, or bring a feeling of coziness to a room with higher ceilings. Some decorators suggest using a tint that is a half or a quarter shade of the color on your wall so the ceiling won't sharply contrast the walls.

If you're feeling bold, try a completely different color on your ceiling. To create a complimentary contrast, consult the Color Wheel at your local True Value. Find the color opposite the color of your walls and choose a slightly lighter hue for the ceiling. The effect will be daring and unique.

No matter what color you choose, use True Value EasyCare^® Premium Ceiling Paint for its outstanding durability and masking properties.

Step 2. Repair the Ceiling
Fill any cracks or holes in your ceiling. For holes larger than a dime, use premixed drywall joint compound and a roll of adhesive mesh tape. Scrape off any flaky ceiling pieces and use an old paintbrush to dust away any loose drywall dust. Wet the hole with a damp sponge and press in the plaster with a putty knife. Smooth until it's flush with the ceiling, let dry overnight, then sand and dust until smooth.

Step 3. Prepare the Room
Ceiling paint can drip, so you'll want to protect the floor and any furniture in the room. It's best to move all the furniture into another room, but if that's not an option, cover all the pieces with drop cloths. Remove any wall hangings and decorations. Take down any ceiling fans and light fixtures. First, you'll need to turn off the power at the fixture's circuit. Mark the switch with a warning tag to make sure no one flips it back on while you're working. Remove the light bulbs then remove the fixture. Bring in portable lighting if needed to help you see properly.

Helpful Tip:

If you are working on a high ceiling, it's a good idea to rent the appropriate scaffolding. It'll make your job easier and help prevent injury.

Safety Alert!

Wear safety goggles when filling in ceiling cracks and holes. You don't want any loose particles to fall into your eyes.

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Step 4. Clean the Ceiling
Once everything is cleared from the room, wash the ceiling using clean cloths and warm soapy water. Let dry for at least one hour.

Step 5. Gather Supplies
Plan how you are going to reach the ceiling with your paint roller. If you're working from the floor, choose a paint roller with a long extension handle. If you're using scaffolding, you can use a regular paint roller with a standard-length handle. If painting a textured ceiling, be sure to use a thick-nap roller to ensure full coverage over bumps on the surface.

Helpful Tip:

If you choose to work with a paint roller with a long extension handle, it's a good idea to get a roller with a guard.

Step 6. Paint the Ceiling
Before you begin, mask the perimeter of the ceiling with painter's tape. It’s also helpful to "cut in," or outline the edge of your ceiling with a small brush, before painting the whole ceiling.

Dip the roller in paint, in the deep section of the tray. Roll it back and forth in the shallow end to get rid of excess paint. When the roller is evenly covered, begin making 6-ft. square sections on the ceiling. Use a series of overlapping "W" strokes from right to left, then back from left to right using horizontal strokes. Make sure to "feather" the edges of the squares, using less pressure when you get to the edges. This prevents creating a line when the paint overlaps from another square. Keep working with the 6-ft. squares until the entire ceiling is painted. Use a small brush to cover wherever a roller can't reach. You may need to apply a second coat of paint depending on color and coverage.

Helpful Tip:

When doing brushwork along the perimeter, it's easier to use a smaller paint container. Pour paint into a coffee can or a jar to lighten the load.

Congratulations on completing your ceiling painting project! Visit your local True Value hardware store to brush up on all other interior painting techniques and projects.

For more projects, go to TrueValuePaint.com. >

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