Painting ceilings is easily the most aggravating painting task that most homeowners will encounter. Sore shoulders, paint drips on the floor and messy-looking results are common complaints. There is no magic formula for making the job easy and quick, but using the right equipment goes a long way toward minimizing frustration.
Room Preparation
Carefully prepare the room before starting to paint the ceilings. Essential equipment for this stage includes a ladder, painter's tape and drop cloths. Move out as much furniture as possible. Cover the floor and any remaining furniture with high-quality drop cloths. Do not use plastic sheeting, which can move around and tears easily.
Use painter's tape to tape the top of each wall where it meets the ceiling. Fit the edge of the tape tightly to the seam between wall and ceiling to avoid drips.
Ceiling Preparation
Preparing the ceiling for painting is tedious but necessary. Essential equipment includes a ladder, painter's tape, joint compound, small hand tools and interior primer. Remove items in the ceiling such as hooks and nails. Patch holes with joint compound and sand smooth. Remove light fixtures if you are comfortable doing so, or cover them carefully with painter's tape. For best results, prime the ceiling before painting.
Painting the Ceiling
To avoid lap marks, allow plenty of time to paint the ceiling in one session. Equipment requirements include a ladder, paint roller and roller covers, 5-gallon paint bucket with roller screen, paint brushes and, most importantly, an extension pole.
An extension pole attaches to the paint roller, allowing you to stand on the ground while painting the ceiling. Use a well-balanced roller with a comfortable grip, and choose an adjustable extension pole that fits tightly to the roller. The pole should be solid enough to balance the roller, but lightweight enough that you are comfortable hoisting it above your head.
Choose lambs' wool or synthetic roller covers with plastic cores. A cardboard core is prone to absorbing paint, which can cause messes when painting overhead. A 5-gallon bucket and roller screen prevent the need to constantly stop and pour paint into a rolling tray.
Climb the ladder and use a high-quality paint brush along the ceiling edges. If your ceiling is vaulted, paint the section inside the point with a brush as well.
The rest of the ceiling can be painted with the roller. Work in roughly 3-by-3 foot sections, allowing your shoulders to rest between sections. Walk the room as you paint rather than overreaching with the pole, which can have disastrous consequences.
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