How to: paint the ceiling

An unpainted or porous ceiling

For ceilings in newly built houses, the first thing to do is to determine whether or not it is the right time to paint yet. 

Apart from that, for a new, unpainted ceiling, the primer is extremely important. It will ensure proper adhesion of the following paint coats and great coverage, and it will prevent possible differences in colour. 

💡 TIP - primers aren't all white or grey at all. Order your primer in the same colour as your ceiling paint.

To find out how to apply the primer, switch to the tab "painted ceiling" above. 

A damaged ceiling

Are there small cracks or other minor irregularities in the ceiling? Those can be quickly covered up with renovation paint. Another option is to apply a very fine layer of filler. You might prefer to use a rollable filler for your ceiling, as rolling (with an extension) is a convenient way to work above your head.  

For larger cracks, holes or other damages, you will need an appropriate filling agent. 

A wooden ceiling

For a wooden ceiling, the steps are similar to the steps for a previously painted ceiling. You'll also have to start off by cleaning and degreasing the wood (and letting it dry completely), but you'll be using a different kind of primer. Wood requires a lacquer instead of wall and ceiling paint.

You will also need a special wood filler for filling up possible cracks or other damages, and it is recommended to sand the wood before starting to paint. Make sure to remove any sanding dust.

Use a brush to apply a first layer of primer. The brush will allow you to paint for example the connections between the paneling of the ceiling. Continue by smoothing out the paint layer with a felt roller. Follow the direction of the wood paneling first, roll out across second, and finish by rolling in the paneling's direction once more.