Is it time for a freshen up of your home décor? If you fancy having a go at painting your ceilings, here are some useful tips that have come straight from a professional painter!
- Hide flaws with stain-blocking primer
There are a number of things that can cause unsightly stains on the ceiling, from water leaks to tobacco smoke. Sometimes plain paint won’t be enough to cover it up, so it’s a good idea to use a stain-blocking primer layer before you paint.
- Try sanding before painting
If the ceiling has been painted several times before, it could have lumps and bumps from paint build-up over the years. A quick sanding down with drywall sanding paper will help to smooth out the surface, resulting in an even paint job and paint that bonds better. Remove dust with a damp sponge before painting.
- Be sure to roll in both directions
Some tricks of the trade for smoother coatings include working in sections of around 5 to 6 feet. It’s important to roll quickly from one section to another, before the paint on the edge has a chance to dry. This is known as keeping a ‘wet edge’ and is the secret to avoiding any annoying lap marks from appearing.
- Use special ceiling paint
The best results generally come from using a paint specially designed for the purpose of painting ceilings. Ceiling paint has qualities such as being non-splatter, is flat and not glossy and has a slow dry time.
- Colour is possible
Ceilings don’t always have to be white, a dash of colour can make all the difference. You can create interesting effects with colour, like making a room feel more spacious or more intimate, for example. Try to find a colour that compliments the wall colour. Make a statement with your lighting too and choose a stylish ceiling rose to accentuate your freshly painted ceiling. For a wide range of contemporary Ceiling Roses, visit https://www.creative-cables.co.uk/2648-ceiling-roses
- Textured ceilings
If a textured ceiling has been painted before, you’re probably good to go. However, if not, there’s a worry that water in the paint might loosen the texture depending on the quality of the texturing job. Try to complete a test patch, perhaps behind a cupboard or other unseen area to see what happens. If the texture begins to come away, consider spray painting as this is less likely to loosen it.
Spray painting is not always practical in a family home, so if you need to roll just make sure you don’t overwork the roller. Don’t move back and forth, simply roll over and leave. If you need another coat, wait for the first coat to completely dry before rolling again.
- How to prevent paint freckles
Painting a ceiling can be a messy job, so be sure to wear a cap and a pair of safety glasses so you can see clearly without needing to squint. A good tip is to apply skin lotion to your face and arms before painting, as when you’ve finished, any paint specks will easily wipe or wash straight off.
