Your Favorites
How to Paint a Ceiling
Ceilings can be fun to paint. It is not an impossible or difficult task. With a few simple supplies necessary for the job, you can start and finish most home ceiling painting projects in a day. A properly painted ceiling makes a huge difference in the appearance of your room. Here is some painting advice to help you do the job right and make the room look larger and cleaner, and completely refresh any space. Let’s get started!
browse all paint colors find more diy tips and advice
Painting Advice
Step 1: Have enough paint?
First, you should make sure that you have enough paint. Most ceilings can be painted with two 1-gallon buckets. If you have a particularly large room, you may need more than two buckets of paint. Some larger rooms (over 800 sq. ft.) may require even more. If you want to be safe, go with a 5-gallon supply and this should be plenty, especially if you are painting more than one room and want to make sure the ceilings match. View MULTI-PRO Interior Wall & Ceiling Paint
STEP 2: Prep your room
You want to protect the rest of the surfaces in your space from getting paint on them.
Use tape, plastic coverings and drop cloths to ensure that you don’t make a mess.
More protection won’t hurt and will save you from the worry of getting paint on carpets or furniture.
If you have a ceiling fan, tape it off at the base.
find the right paint for your project
STEP 3: Prep your paint
Next, mix your paint in a separate, empty 5-gallon bucket to get your paint to the proper consistency. By combining paint, you will ensure that the entire ceiling looks the same when it is done. See All Products
Step 4: Brush Painting
Start painting with a brush in a corner of the ceiling.
Start with areas that are not easy to reach with a roller.
Work from a small bucket of paint.
Hold the brush like a pen, load it with paint, tap the side of the bucket and you are good to go.
EXPLORE ALL White PAINT COLORS Refer to the product label, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed safety and application instructions.
STEP 5: Roller Painting
Once you’re done getting all of the tight spots covered, you are ready to use your roller.
Use a 9-inch roller with 3/8-inch nap on a flat ceiling.
For a textured ceiling, try using a 9-inch roller with a 1/2-inch nap.
Work in areas of three to four square feet, always painting back into wet areas to minimize a splotchy, inconsistent finish. See PPG Interior Latex Ceiling Paint
STEP 6: Finishing
Once you cover the ceiling to the best of your ability, carefully remove the painter's tape while the paint is still slightly wet.
Let the paint dry as long as possible.
Different paints have different dry times, and certain areas may dry faster so, the longer you wait, the less likely you will encounter any problems.
After your paint has dried completely, double-check for any inconsistent areas of paint coverage, and touch up, if necessary.
Then, remove furniture coverings and enjoy!
find more painting tips
Inspiration for Your Project
Get started on your project with advice from our color experts
Professional color and design tips for the interior and exterior of your home.
Accent Wall Colors
Learn How To Paint An Accent Wall
How To Paint A Bedroom
Drift away to bliss with paint colors that increase relaxation
Create calming vibes in your most personal room.
How to Paint an Exterior Door
Add a little style, go outside the box and show personality.
The front door is the best way to add curb appeal. You can add a little style, go outside the box and show personality.
how-to
As a member of our community, you’ll be first to get our special offers, all the details on our latest products, and of course, oodles of inspiring ideas!
