Back to Interior Painting How-To's
How to Paint a Ceiling
Don't forget about the "fifth" wall! Depending on the colour you apply to your ceiling, you can convey a cozy, warm ambience or create an aura of expansiveness, and add visual interest to your home.
For Best Results:
Refer to our how-to for expert advice and techniques on painting your ceiling.
The ceiling should be the first surface you paint in your room.
Suggested Tools & Supplies
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Brush (50-65 mm / 2"-2½")
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Extension Pole
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Vinyl Gloves
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Ladder
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Paint Can Opener
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Paint Tray
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Paint Tray Liner
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Protective Apparel
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Rags
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Roller Cover and Frame
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Sandpaper (150-220 Grit)
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Stir Stick
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Drop Cloths
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Step 1Grab your tools.
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Step 2Using your painter’s tape, begin by taping off the places where the ceiling and the wall meet.
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Step 3Remove vents with a screwdriver.
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Step 4Use a stain-blocking primer to prep your wall and cover any stains.
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Step 5Dip your brush in and pat the side to remove excess paint.
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Step 6Cut in from walls by painting in and around the tape.
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Step 7Grab your roller and attach the extension pole before fully saturating your roller with paint.
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Step 8Start painting away from one corner in as straight of a line as you can until the ceiling is completely covered in paint.
TIP: If a second coat is needed then apply paint in a perpendicular direction.
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Step 9Remove tape while paint is still wet.
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Step 10Replace ceiling vents.
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Step 11Wash your tools with warm soapy water.
More How-Tos
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
PAINT AND STAIN CALCULATOR
Inside or outside; paint or stain: Let’s figure out how much you’ll need to make amazing happen.
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ASK AN EXPERT
Every project is unique: Keep small wrinkles from becoming big problems by letting the Behr Technical Experts lend a hand.
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COLOUR STUDIO
So many colours and so many ideas: Visit Behr’s Colour Studio for inspiration, colour tools, design advice and everything you need to find your project’s perfect colour.
Colour Studio
