Ceilings can be one of the more difficult areas to paint inside your home. A professional painter will use a few tricks to make the process go more smoothly and to ensure that the finish is perfect. Understanding that process will be sure to make you appreciate the value of a good painter.
1. A Thorough Clean
Every painting job must start with a good clean, and the ceiling is no exception. Dust does collect on the surface, and spider webs in the corners can also be a problem. Your painter may use a broom to first sweep the ceiling, then they will wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove the remaining residue. Fortunately, fingerprints and skin oils aren't usually an issue on the ceiling as they can be on walls.
2. Surface Sanding
If the ceiling has been painted a time or two before, the old layers of paint on the surface can become quite bulky. Sanding them off helps. Even in instances where this isn't the case, at least a light sanding is recommended simply because primer and paint will adhere better to a slightly roughened surface.
3. Paint Selection
What type of paint do you want on your ceiling? As a rule, light colours make the ceiling feel higher while dark colours create a cosier environment. The finish also has an effect, with matte or eggshell finishes often being preferred for ceilings as higher gloss paints will show every speck of dust — which can be difficult to clean in regard to high ceilings. A light gloss can be a good option, though, if you need to reflect more light down and into the room.
4. Priming Correctly
Priming is a must. Primer is a paint that goes on first to create an even surface that the coloured paint can adhere to more easily. It also blocks out any stains or dark areas that you don't want bleeding through the paint. The primer is usually applied in one or two layers. A light primer is used for light coloured ceilings, and a dark primer is used if you are painting the ceiling a dark colour.
5. Painting Perfectly
The final step is painting, which is typically applied in two to three coats to ensure an even and resilient finish. Your painter first cuts in, which means they paint the edges and fiddly bits of the ceiling with a brush first. This part goes the slowest. Then they will paint the main surface of the ceiling, usually with a roller.
As you can see, ceilings can be a bit of a challenge. Contact a professional painter if you are ready to repaint your home.
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