Always remember to paint your ceiling first before painting your walls. Working from the higher end of the wall down to the bottom Always use safety goggles when painting your ceiling. Also use high quality roller with an extension so that all areas of the ceiling can be reached without strain.
Pour the paint into a roller tray or paint pan up to half an inch in the reservoir. One way save on cleaning time is to line the tray with heavy-duty aluminium foil before pouring paint into it. You can also opt to spray paint, however, if you’re thinking about spray painting your ceiling and walls, always remember to use goggles and a respirator/mask and make sure there is proper ventilation in the room.
Start by rolling or dipping your roller into the paint reservoir. Thoroughly cover the roller with paint then run the roller over the washboard area of the tray a couple of times to remove excess paint to prevent dripping.
Use overlapping “V” shaped strokes and distribute the paint slowly on the ceiling and walls to reduce splattering. Start at a corner and work across the wall or ceiling, covering about three square feet at a time. Fill in the unpainted areas with parallel strokes without lifting the roller from the surface and increase the pressure on the roller as you work to deliver the paint smoothly. Feather the paint in a series of light strokes when you’re painting into unpainted or previously painted areas, in a zigzag motion on the outer border you’ve just completed. Then lightly roll between two section and paint the entire surface. Try completing the whole wall or ceiling in one go instead of letting it dry on parts of the wall/ceiling as this may produce patchy areas.
Complete the large surfaces first before painting the trim and woodwork.
Painting Trims
Smaller angled brushes and metal paint guide will be used more often with trim painting. Always keep a clean rag near you to immediately wipe off any excess paint that may get on previously painted surface. When using oil-based paints, use mineral spirits or paint thinner. A mild detergent and water will work for water-based paints. Bleeding may occur for trim that’s been previously stained. This can be remedied by applying two coats of shellac.
Work your way down by doing trim closest to the ceiling, and paint horizontal surfaces first before vertical surfaces.
Painting A Window
Always start from the inner sections of doors and windows before the outer portions. For windows, paint right down to the glass as this can create a seal between the wood and glass. Tape the glass or remove the excess paint after it has dried with a razor blade. Leave slight gap (hairline) between wood and glass if you’re using masking tape. As soon as the paint is dry, remove the tape.
Painting A Double-Paned Window
- Raise and lower sashes to allow reach to all areas. Start by painting the exterior sash, horizontal pieces first then vertical, then the mullions (the pieces that divide the window into small sections). Paint the lower part of their sash first, then raise the window and do the upper part.
- Repeat this process with the interior sash.
- Once you’ve finished doing the sash, paint the frame and trim, first the top sides and finally the sill.
- Do not pain the jambs and make sure that you can raise and lower the sashes. Do this while the paint is drying to be sure they do not dry stuck. Rub a candle over any wood jamb to create easy window movement.
