Ceiling Paints Dos and Don’ts 

The ceiling tends to be one of the most overlooked aspects of any paint project. Some people forget entirely about painting it, while others rush the process, causing a mess they will have to clean up later. 

Now, we aren’t saying that every ceiling needs to be at the level of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, but it should (at least) look clean, crisp, and professionally painted when  your room is complete. 

Here are a few suggestions from our team and other paint professionals on what you should and shouldn’t do when painting your ceiling. 

Do: Choose An Appropriate Color for the Space 

While there are no hard-and-fast rules in terms of what you should and shouldn’t paint your ceiling, it should at least be appropriate for the space. 

There are usually two schools of thought when it comes to color choice for ceilings: matching colors (to the surrounding space and surfaces) in a lighter or darker tone as the walls, or selecting contrasting colors to draw attention to the ceiling height. 

Don’t: Go It Alone 

Depending upon the height of the ceilings in your home, reaching every peak could be difficult, if not, downright dangerous. Always have safety in mind when you plan your ladder or scaffolding set up. 

We suggest not going it alone and having a professional team, who is experienced in safety procedures, plan your ceiling project. They will be skilled in using painting equipment while standing on extended ladders or scaffolding. 

Do: Prep the Area

As with any other painting project, we suggest that you prep the ceiling and the floors below before you even open a can of paint. Dust the ceiling (especially spiderweb laden corners), wash any dirt or grime away, and lay floor coverings to protect your floors and furnishings below. 

Another aspect of preparing your ceilings and surfaces deals with deciding whether you want to change the ceiling surface or not. Many older homes have popcorn ceilings that could be replaced for a more modern texture such as swirls, stippling, or a smooth appearance. 

Don’t: Forget Your Tray Ceilings 

Tray ceilings add such a luxurious dimension to any room. Before you paint everything a typical white color, consider contrasting or coordinating colors to add some pop to the room and create the illusion of height. 

Houzz, the home design website, suggests several techniques to dress up your tray ceilings such as adding a darker shade of the room color scheme on the ceiling, or going several shades lighter to create space and an airy atmosphere. Showcasing your tray ceilings can add depth to any room as well as making it a great conversation piece. 

While you may not be embarking on painting the Sistine Chapel, your home’s ceilings are equally important for your home to have that professionally painted and designed aesthetic. Take a look at our portfolio for more ideas for your home. 

Categorised in: Ceiling Paint