Next, protect your walls. Vaamonde says the easiest way to do this is to stand on a step ladder and run painter’s tape all along the top of your wall next to your ceiling. Then, paint a three to four inch border around the ceiling to create a buffer between your workspace and the walls.
How to Paint a Ceiling Without Getting Paint on Everything, Including Your Floors and Yourself
Here’s to a freshly painted ceiling without the mess.
Tamara Gane is a travel, food, and lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in more than 30 prominent publications, including Travel and Leisure, TripSavvy, The Washington Post, The Independent, NPR, Taste of Home, Wine Enthusiast, and more.
Updated on June 12, 2022
Your ceiling is basically a large canvas. If you paint it dark, your room will feel cozier and more intimate while a light-colored ceiling will help your room feel larger and more expansive. A fresh coat of paint can also make your room more stylish and cover stains and imperfections. Despite this, the ceiling is often ignored when homeowners embark on DIY painting projects because they’re intimidated. Who can blame them? Painting the ceiling not only involves awkward arm positions and painting over your head, but if you make a mistake, you also run the very real risk of getting paint all over your floors, furniture, and even yourself. To alleviate those concerns, we went to Houston-based real estate investor Marina Vaamonde of HouseCashin to find out how to paint your ceiling without making a giant mess.
Move the Furniture
Before you begin painting your ceiling, Vaamonde suggests moving as much furniture as possible from the room. Large pieces, however, can be pushed to the center of the room and covered completely with drop cloths. Pro tip: Inexpensive furniture sliders will make it easier to move heavy pieces without damaging your floor.
Since you don’t want to get paint on your floors, your next step is to cover them with drop cloths. After you’re through, tape the edges of the cloths to your baseboard with painter’s tape.
Remove Your Light Fixtures
Next, Vaamonde says to direct your attention to the ceiling. If there are any light fixtures there, remove them if possible. If you aren’t able to remove them, cover them in cloth or paper to protect them from dripping paint.
This is not a project you want to undertake wearing your Sunday finest. Be sure to wear something you won’t mind getting dripped on with paint or buy a disposable suit to protect your clothing.
Property Brothers give 4 painting tips to make less of a mess
Painting can make a big impact — but it can also make a big mess. Fortunately, the Property Brothers are here to help.
April 22, 2015, 2:43 PM UTC / Updated April 22, 2015, 2:42 PM UTC / Source : TODAY
By TODAY
Painting can make a big impact — but it can also make a big mess. Fortunately, the Property Brothers are here to help. Drew and Jonathan Scott have four easy ways to help keep paint where it’s supposed to be.
Aluminum foil is your friend
Painter’s tape is a common way to section off what needs paint and what doesn’t, but applying it can be tricky, especially for doorknobs. But the Property Brothers have a secret weapon: aluminum foil. For doorknobs, simple take a small sheet of foil and wrap it around the doorknob. It will keep paint off the handle as you paint and only takes seconds to apply.
Tray trick
Make that paint tray last with this tip. Instead of pouring the paint directly onto the tray, lay a sheet of aluminum foil on the tray first and then pour the paint.
“When paint starts to dry on your actual tray, it’s hard to get it off,” Jonathan said, but this tip protects the pan. When you’re done with painting, toss the foil and the tray is as good as new.
Freezer fun
Proper care of paintbrushes is vital to make them last, and here’s a quick trick to help. In between uses, wrap paintbrushes in foil and seal the edges, then toss it in the freezer. The cold air will keep the brushes fresh so you can reuse them for many DIYs to come.
Dab and drip
You can dab the paint on the side of the can as you paint, but it can turn into a dripping mess. The Property Brothers suggest putting an elastic band around the can and using the pressure from the elastic over the top to dab your brush as go. Drips will stay away from the edge of the can, making your project much easier and cleaner.
