Should I do ceiling or walls first?

Author: Heloise Kiehn I  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 29, 2025

One question everyone asks: Should you paint the walls or ceiling first? If you're planning to paint the entire room, start with the ceiling. That way, you won't have to worry about splatters from the roller getting onto the walls—it will all get touched up once the walls are painted.

Should I install ceiling or walls first?

Always do the ceilings first, no matter what. You are dealing with weight and gravity so the walls hold the ceiling board firmly in place and helps prevent cracking in the corners. Make sure you put in at least 5 screws across the board and 6 at the butt end to also help prevent any movement.

Do you cut in ceiling or walls first?

Always, paint the ceiling first. Then cut in the walls and paint the walls. The ceiling gets all the heat and dust and smoke and steam from cooking etc. it will look ok until the walls and trim are painted. At that point it will be much more difficult to paint the ceiling.

Do you line the ceiling or walls first?

Tip: For easier installation it is recommended to install the plasterboard ceiling before lining the walls. Measure the wall to determine the required sheet size.

Do professional painters paint the ceiling or walls first?

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.

What should I Paint First Walls or Trim. Do I paint walls or trim first is a common question

What is the correct order to paint a room?

The Best Order to Paint a Room
  1. Ceilings. Paint a 2-inch wide strip on the ceiling where it meets the wall. ...
  2. Walls. Paint a 2-inch strip along ceiling, floor and woodwork with a brush. ...
  3. Woodwork. Paint all trim around doors, windows, ceilings and floor.
  4. Floor. Start in a corner diagonally opposite the room exit.

Why paint ceiling before walls?

1. 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.

In what order do you paint trim and walls and ceiling?

Do you paint walls or trim first? From a professional point of view, with interior painting, it makes the most sense to paint your trim first, then ceilings, and then your walls. It's much easier and faster to tape off trim than to tape off your walls. And you definitely don't want the hassle of taping them both.

Why line walls before painting?

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)

Can you cut in one day and paint the next?

Cut-in and painting on the same day are recommended for the best results.

What is the trick to painting ceilings?

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. The same applies when spraying.

Should you caulk before or after painting?

It is recommended to caulk before painting. Not only does unpainted caulk provide a less effective seal than painted caulk, but it tends to shrink, crack, and discolor over time, resulting in an unsightly finish.

Should you edge or roll paint first?

Always cut in first then continue painting with a roller.

Do you build roof or walls first?

In traditional construction, the order of operations starts with the foundation, followed by floors, walls, ceiling, and lastly, the roof.

Should you glue drywall to a ceiling?

Adding glue won't increase the strength of the drywall, and it can make it much harder for you to remove and replace damaged drywall. Adhesive can bridge gaps, though, and it can keep temperature-controlled air from escaping or entering through the ceilings, making rooms more energy efficient.

Do you texture ceilings or walls first?

Do you texture ceilings before walls? Ceilings are usually painted before the walls. This rule also applies to textures. You do not have to follow this rule, but it makes the process so much easier.

How to get a straight line between wall and ceiling when painting?

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.

Can I paint over painted lining paper?

Apply multiple coats if necessary, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Finish with a Topcoat: For added durability and a professional finish, consider applying a topcoat over the painted lining paper. This will protect the paint from wear and tear and provide a smooth and washable surface.

Why do I get roller lines when painting?

More often than not, roller marks occur when you fail to load your roller with enough paint, or have exhausted the paint in your roller and are trying to cover more area than you should. Finally, applying the wrong amount of pressure can cause paint to push out around the edge of the roller, creating a streak.

Should I paint ceiling or walls first?

One question everyone asks: Should you paint the walls or ceiling first? If you're planning to paint the entire room, start with the ceiling. That way, you won't have to worry about splatters from the roller getting onto the walls—it will all get touched up once the walls are painted.

What is the right order to paint a room?

Dr Dulux: What order to paint a room in
  1. Ceilings. Once any repairs you've made are dried and smooth, you're ready to paint. ...
  2. Walls. ...
  3. Windows and doors. ...
  4. Skirting.

Do you drywall the ceiling or walls first?

Hang the Ceiling First

This makes it much easier to manage and attach the panels since you will not have to fumble around with the screws, measuring tape, and so on. Screws for drywall lids should be placed no closer than 16” from the wall. This allows the drywall to have a bit of flexibility to prevent ceiling cracks.

Can I paint a ceiling after walls?

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.

Should I remove baseboards before painting?

Among the many tips for painting baseboards, it is recommended to leave the baseboards in place when painting them.

How to paint a room in one day?

How to Paint a Room in One Day
  1. Make a plan. Before you ever pick up a paint brush, you need a plan of attack. ...
  2. Select the perfect color. ...
  3. Paint a sample swatch. ...
  4. Calculate how much paint you need. ...
  5. Gather the right materials. ...
  6. Prep the room for painting. ...
  7. Prime the wall (or don't with our handy trick). ...
  8. Mix the paint.

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