How to Paint A Ceiling

Painting a ceiling can feel like more work than reward. But do it well and your space will be transformed. Follow these five tips for how to paint a smooth ceiling and how to paint a textured ceiling. In both cases, you’ll avoid uneven color and unsightly roller marks. And, at the end of the day, you’ll be proud every time you look up. 

Prep Tip: Make sure you protect the surrounding area by spreading drop cloths on the floor. Protect yourself from dust by wearing a hat and glasses or goggles.  

Tip 1: Patch Holes 

Smooth ceilings: Fill holes and cracks with   DAP Alex Plus Spackling. It’s a professional-grade spackling compound that spreads and feathers easily, and it dries quickly but has a long working time. It accepts paint like any other porous surface but doesn’t flash or gloss low-sheen paint. Use a putty knife to fill up to 3-inch-diameter holes where the drywall is damaged but intact. To repair holes larger than 1 inch that have punctured through the drywall, first cover the hole with a drywall patch and then apply Alex Plus. 

Textured ceilings: Use a putty knife to apply Alex Plus to the hole in two thin layers. After the first layer dries, apply the second layer, extending the patch a little beyond the hole. Immediately stipple the spackling compound with a stiff-bristled brush or old paint brush, to create a texture similar to the rest of the ceiling. 

Tip 2: Sand Patched Areas 

Smooth ceilings: After the patched areas have dried, lightly sand them with a fine- or medium-grit sanding sponge or sandpaper. You may want to use a sanding pole to make it easier to reach the ceiling. Be sure to wipe down the ceiling with a barely damp sponge to remove any dust. 

Tip 3: Cut In at the Corners 

Smooth ceilings: When cutting at the perimeter of the ceiling, lap the paint slightly onto the wall. Then when you paint the walls, you can cut in just below where the ceiling meets the wall. The little ceiling color that’s at the top of the wall won’t be noticeable.  

Textured ceilings: To cut in textured ceilings, first knock down a little bit of the texture at the ceiling perimeter by pulling a screwdriver along the edge. This creates a small groove at that joint, which allows you to cut in all the way to the joint and lap slightly onto the wall. 

Tip 4: Use a Paint and Primer in One 

All ceilings: Traditionally, you should cover ceiling stains with a primer and then paint. With ZINSSER Ceiling Paint—Paint & Primer in One, you can prime and paint in a single coat. Formulated to hide stains, it goes on pink and turns bright white when dry. It has great hide with low spatter so it’s less messy. And it dries in an hour. 

Tip 5: Roll Properly 

Smooth ceilings: Work in about 5-sq.-ft. sections. Cut in, and then roll on the paint. This will help you keep the edges wet as you paint the ceiling, decreasing the chance of roller marks or streaks. 

Textured ceilings: Roll gently, using a thick-napped roller and applying two light coats. Let the first coat dry before applying the second coat, rolling perpendicular to the first.