Conversely, starting with the walls might seem simpler but often leads to more touch-ups and a less seamless finish. So, what do you paint first in a room? The answer generally leans towards starting with the ceiling for a cleaner and more efficient process.
Start with the ceiling
We recommend you start your decorating project at the top and work your way down. Taking this approach will allow you to avoid dripping any paint onto freshly painted areas. Before you start painting, clean your ceiling, fill any holes or cracks and sand it.
What is the correct order to paint a room? When painting a room, I recommend starting with the ceiling, followed by baseboard and window trim, and finishing with the walls. This sequence allows for less precision with ceiling and trim paint, as any imperfections can be covered when cutting in with the wall paint.
Go heavy on the paint to help keep a wet edge. Ceilings are much hotter than walls and the paint dries faster. Make sure you are laying out your paint. After you get the paint on the ceiling, finish all over your strokes in the same direction. The stippling needs to go in the same direction or you will get shadows.
Ceiling, trim then walls. You can usually get away with one good coat on a ceiling. Make sure when you're cutting in the ceiling you also get that paint at least a couple of inches onto the walls. It will make for a clean cut it for when it's time to actually paint the walls. Same goes for the trim.
Tip: For easier installation it is recommended to install the plasterboard ceiling before lining the walls.
Paint rollers are very popular, especially when painting large areas of space like walls or ceilings. They are much quicker to use than brushes, covering the area in a fraction of the time. Plus, when used properly can create a smooth, even finish.
To avoid making marks on the ceiling with your roller, reduce the amount of paint you use. If you notice roller marks appearing, re-roll the areas to smooth them out using very light pressure. Another method to avoid roller marks is to add another coat of paint in the opposite direction for the second coat of paint.
How many coats of paint do I need? Generally, you will want a minimum of two coats of paint – this is a good rule of thumb for any wall or ceiling you're painting. You'll rarely get a seamless finish from just one coat of paint, and even if you do, coverage isn't the only goal when it comes to painting a room.
Painting a ceiling can be easily done when you have the right tools and supplies. In fact, adding a fresh coat of paint to a ceiling brightens up a space and adds a touch of warmth. When painting a room, always prime and paint the ceiling first, before the walls.
Cut-in and painting on the same day are recommended for the best results.
The cost to paint a 1,500 square-foot double-story home will average between $6,000 to $21,000 depending on the size of all floors. The price may vary if your 2nd floor is smaller than the ground floor.
Ceilings and Drywall - Medium 3/8″ roller covers work best. Walls, Wood, and Metal - Small 1/4″ roller covers or foam rollers will produce the smoothest finish. Light to Medium Textured Surfaces - Microfiber rollers are best. Smooth Surfaces - Use a white woven short nap roller for an ultra fine finish.
Always cut in first then continue painting with a roller. Cut in and paint with a roller one wall at a time. If you cut in all areas first and then roll the entire room, the paint that was applied when cutting in will have dried quicker and you will be left with a patchy, uneven finish.
Get the Direction Right
When painting smooth ceilings, the best strategy is to roll parallel with the main source of natural light, such as a big window, as it helps prevent roller lines. If you roll perpendicular to the dominant light source, the roller lines can form a slight shadow.
Uneven paint can cause a space to look unfinished, whereas a well-painted smooth ceiling gives a polished feel. Patchy ceilings can also be caused by streaks from the paint roller, brush marks or stipple from an uneven roller.
Painting a textured ceiling with paint rollers takes time and can cause the texture to flake off from the surface. Using an airless paint sprayer to paint a textured ceiling saves you time and preserves the appearance while providing a more complete and uniform coverage.
However, others suggest that the quality of finish from a paint pad is not as good as a roller. Alternatively, trim rollers can be used to speed up the cutting in around sockets, light switches etc, reducing the time you spend using a brush.
Ceiling Paint Finishes
Most ceiling paints have a flat (or matte) finish. A flat finish doesn't reflect lights and will hide most irregularities and defects in the ceiling. On the other hand, reflective sheens draw the eye upward and can detract from the rest of the room.
Pro painting tips will usually tell you to follow a certain order when painting a room. They paint the trim first, then the ceiling, then the walls. That's because it's easier (and faster) to tape off the trim than to tape off the walls.
If you're new to painting a room, having a ceiling painting pad tool will help you paint a perfect line easily. When you place the pad along the top of the wall so the wheels roll on the ceiling, you'll be able to paint a perfect line. I often use the pad to paint the area right under the ceiling, too.
reduce the likelihood of stains and marks on the wall showing through your wallpaper or fresh coat of paint. offer a barrier against penetrating damp and mould. protect flammable surfaces in the event of a fire (look for 'class zero' fire-rated lining papers)