Painting Ceilings: Flat Ceiling Paint, the Right Order, and How to Avoid Lap Marks
Ceilings are painted first, in a flat paint, rolled in one direction while the edge is still wet. Light skims across a ceiling from windows and fixtures, so any stripe, lap mark or patch shows more than it would on a wall.
Why Flat Paint
Flat paint scatters light and hides small waves, seams and roller marks. Many ceiling paints are made to go on slightly tinted and dry white so you can see where you have rolled. Bathrooms and kitchens are the exceptions; there, a ceiling paint for humid rooms or a satin finish resists moisture.
Order of Work
- Ceilings
- Walls
- Trim and doors
Ceiling paint on the top of the wall gets covered when the walls are painted.
Avoiding Lap Marks
- Cut in along the walls a section at a time, then roll that section before the cut line dries.
- Roll in parallel passes, keeping a wet edge, and finish each pass in the same direction.
- Do not go back over areas that have started to dry.
- Two thin coats beat one heavy coat.
Stains
Water and smoke stains bleed through ceiling paint. Spot-prime them with a stain-blocking primer first, then paint the whole ceiling so the patch does not show.
Tall and Textured Ceilings
Two-story foyers and stairwells need tall ladders, planks or scaffolding set up safely. Textured ceilings take a thicker roller nap and more paint; loose popcorn can come down with a wet roller, so test a small area first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should ceilings be white?
White is common because it reflects light, but tinted ceilings in a lighter version of the wall color are popular too.
How many coats does a ceiling need?
Two for a color change or stains; one fresh coat can work on a clean white ceiling repainted white.
Why are there stripes on my ceiling?
Lap marks from rolling into dried paint, or uneven coverage. A second coat rolled in one direction usually fixes it.
Can I paint a popcorn ceiling?
Yes, carefully, with a thick-nap roller or sprayer. Test first; loose texture can peel off.
Ceilings Included
Ceilings are listed room by room in our interior estimates. See interior painting or contact us.