How to Paint the Ceiling a Contrasting Color

Painting the ceiling of a room a colour that contrasts with the walls is an aesthetic choice that can influence how you perceive the room spatially. Neutral colors make a room appear smaller, lighter colours make it larger, and contrasting colours can amplify these effects. If you select a different color to your ceiling, then you will need to cut a tidy line, which isn’t always easy, and you need the proper tools and materials.

Selecting the Color

Before you decide on a contrasting color to your ceiling, then keep in mind that if the ceiling is the identical color as the walls, then it already looks darker because of the difference in viewing angles. A contrasting dark color lowers the ceiling and makes the room smaller and cozier, so it’s a fantastic choice for a little bedroom. A lighter color, on the other hand, makes a room appear more spacious and functions well with an open floor plan. Contrast highlights the ceiling, however, which might not be a great idea if the ceiling has a popcorn texture, meaning many designers consider dated.

Purchasing Paint and Tools

To paint the ceiling, then you’re going to need a paint roller and extension handle, a tray, a paintbrush and a stepladder. Utilize a medium-nap roller to paint a smooth ceiling along with a thick-nap roller if the ceiling has a texture. Your brush should have a tapered border, and it should have synthetic bristles if you’re using latex paint. Ceiling paint isn’t the same as wall paint — it’s thicker so it can cover better with less spatter. It isn’t as durable, however, because it isn’t exposed to the same stresses and doesn’t need to be washed. So you may utilize wall paint on the ceiling, but you should not use paint designed for ceilings on walls.

Preparation and Cutting In

The usual practice is to prepare the ceiling and wall for painting at the same time by taking down electric fixtures and washing the surfaces with water and detergent. You will need to cut with care if the walls are already painted. If they aren’t, it is possible to use less accuracy. Cutting in is the procedure for making a straight line at the borders of the ceiling so you can continue to keep the roller away from the walls. Doing this carefully with a good-quality brush is better than relying on masking tape. Paint tends to seep under tape, especially if the walls or ceiling are textured.

Rolling the Ceiling

Even though ceiling paint doesn’t spatter up to wall paint, you should protect the flooring with dropcloths and wear protective clothing and eyewear. You can minimize streaking by maintaining a wet edge, meaning tilting paint while it’s still moist. This includes the advantage you cut, so start rolling when you’re finished with the brushwork. It’s quicker and easier to roll with an extension handle compared to operate from a ladder, but even if you work fast, it’s hard to avoid some housework. Eliminate it by rolling a second coat perpendicular to the first.

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