Painting the Ceiling
Our ceilings never get much more than an upward glance until the abuse of a smoking fireplace and a few old roof leaks takes it's toll on that once bright space above our heads. Now it is time for that long overdue task.. Painting the ceiling.
Here is a list of things that you will need to do the job:
Step ladder.
5 Gal. bucket.
Paint screen / grid.
Nine inch roller frame.
1/2 inch nap roller cover.
Roller extension pole.
Three inch nylon/polyester brush.
Plastic sheeting.
Drop cloths or old bed sheets.
Primer/sealer.
Ceiling paint.
Preparing the room.
Move all the furniture toward the middle of the room, leave at least enough room between large pieces and the wall to accommodate a step ladder. place smaller pieces in several groups leaving aisles between them. This will allow for easier access to the ceiling when you start painting. Cover the furniture with plastic, thin 1/2 mil plastic works best. Place drop cloths or old bed sheets on the floor around the groups of furniture.
Spot prime any brown water stains with a stain killing primer. These primer/sealers are available at any paint or hardware store. Some brands offer a convenient spray can with an upward spraying nozzle.
Set up and paint.
Now that everything is wrapped up and spot primed you can prepare to paint. Pour the ceiling paint into the five gal. bucket leaving about a quart of paint in one can to use with the brush. Brush a three or four inch line around the edges of the ceiling being careful not to paint too low on the wall or crown molding, don't forget to brush around the light fixture.
Ready and roll.
Hang the paint screen on the inside rim of the 5 gal. bucket. Install the roller cover on the frame and attach the roller frame to an extension pole or screw in mop handle. Load the roller by daubing it into the 5 gal. bucket of paint, remove any excess paint with a few strokes on the paint screen. Roll out a big W pattern on the ceiling starting the roller in a corner and about a foot from the wall. Reload the roller and fill in the pattern from the outer edge working toward the wall, be sure to roll into the brushed paint line at the wall. Roll out and fill another W pattern next to the one you just completed and slightly overlap the previously painted section. Repeat this technique until you have covered the entire ceiling.
Once finished the room will be noticeably brighter and that upward glance may turn into a smile.
About the Author
Roger Woodward is a professional painting contractor with over twenty three years in the painting trade. His company specializes in high quality custom interiors. Roger is also the webmaster and founder of Painter Forum. For free painting advice from real painting professionals visit www.painterforum.com
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