Painting Tips for a White Ceiling & Dark Walls
- Protect your hair with a hat or bandana when painting a ceiling.painter working image by Gintautas Velykis from Fotolia.com
Painting walls a rich, dark color with a contrasting white ceiling sounds like a great idea until you stop and consider that it might require special techniques. Put trepidation aside and plan the job for a day when humidity is low. Cover your belongings and floors with plastic drop cloths covered by top cloths made of fabric or paper. Clean surfaces prior to applying paint to ensure the best paint coverage. - Proper application of painter's tape is essential when using multiple paint colors.paint image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com
Tape the ceiling where it meets the top of the wall prior to painting the wall. When you tape the ceiling, place the tape in a path wide enough to protect it from the painting tools you'll use to paint to upper portion of the wall. After your wall color is completely dry, remove the tape from the ceiling and tape the top of the wall before you paint the ceiling. Choose good quality painter's tape that states it is easily removable no matter the length of time left on the surface. Place tape firmly so that paint can't seep under the edges. - Use artist's stroke brushes to apply paint where the wall meets the ceiling.artist brushes image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
Select paint tools that are appropriate for your project. You can use rollers to paint the majority of wall and ceiling surfaces. Choose your roller type based on the paint type you'll be applying. Extension poles will help you reach the upper parts of the wall and ceiling.
Corners where the two paint colors meet will require special care. Select a brand of wheeled paint edger that features interchangeable paint pads. You'll need to keep the wheels at the top of the edger paint-free. Apply the paint to the painting pad with a paintbrush to avoid squeezing excess paint from the pad to the wall or ceiling. Apply equal pressure to the pad as you glide the edger along the surface. Clean edgers thoroughly between uses.
Paint a flawless edge between the wall and ceiling color by applying paint on the last two inches at the top of the wall and edge of the ceiling using an artist's stroke brush or a trim brush. These brushes are available in multiple head widths. Painting in this fashion is time consuming, but when done correctly, it ensures controlled, sharp edges between opposing colors. - Have materials ready for repairs.An image of a tube with spilled paint p09 image by Mykola Velychko from Fotolia.com
At some point in the painting process, dark paint will get on the white ceiling and white paint will find its way to the dark wall. Have several small paintbrushes or rollers, damp paper towels and a small, premixed supply of both of your paints readily accessible during the entire project. If you make a mistake, blot as much of the excess paint away without further smearing. When the area is dry, apply the correct paint to cover the spot, taking time to add necessary coats. After 24 hours, re-examine the area in natural light to ensure the repair is flawless.
