How To Paint a Ceiling

Man painting a white ceiling. Man painting a white ceiling.
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How To Paint a Ceiling

Painting your ceiling can seem like a tough task. But following expert ceiling painting tips and using Benjamin Moore® Waterborne Ceiling Paint can help you get the job done right.

While classic white ceiling paint is a go-to for homeowners, why not consider color? A rich navy blue or deep black ceiling can blur the boundaries of a room, making it look endless yet intimate. Painting a ceiling with a lighter shade or a slight variation of your wall color delivers depth and dimension, without breaking the unity of existing color schemes.
*Always follow manufacturer's application steps for best results.

The Best Way to Paint a Ceiling

What's the best way to paint a ceiling? Watch our how-to video for step-by-step guidance on how to paint a ceiling the right way–and get amazing results you’ll love.

Step #1: Prepare with the Right Paint & Tools

To get started, you will need a 2½-inch angle sash brush, painters tape, a nine-inch roller, sleeve and pan, an extension pole, a step ladder and Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint.

In addition to your paint, make sure your brush and roller sleeve are high quality and that your roller sleeve is the appropriate nap for your ceiling texture. Ask your local Benjamin Moore retailer for help determining the best tools. When it comes to the best type of paint for ceilings, Benjamin Moore’s Waterborne Ceiling Paint is a “dead flat” paint that applies smoothly, hides most ceiling imperfections and is specially formulated to minimize both lap marks and splatter.
INSL-X® Color-Changing Ceiling Paint goes on pink and dries white, so you'll never have to wonder if you missed a spot.

Prepare with the Right Paint & Tools (continued)

White is a common ceiling choice, but you can choose virtually any color to paint your ceiling, as Benjamin Moore offers thousands, and can match any shade.

However, if white is your preferred ceiling color, INSL-X® Color-Changing Ceiling Paint is a great choice. This unique paint applies in a light pink color that helps you identify missed spots, and then dries to a white finish with a flat sheen.
Painting contractor prepping to paint ceiling

Step #2: Get the Space Ready

A common question is: “What should I paint first, the ceiling or walls?” Always paint the ceiling before the walls, and always cover everything below the ceiling with drop cloths. Try to empty the room completely to make the job easier. Also, try to remove overhead light fixtures. If you cannot remove fixtures, use painters tape to protect them from spatter or use your brush to cut around them carefully.

Painting contractor painting edge of ceiling

Step #3: Prepare Walls & Ceilings with Paint

Start with painting the edge of the ceiling where it meets the wall first. Cut the ceiling in like you would cut in a corner. Starting in the ceiling line, brush into the corner and feather paint 2-3 inches and down onto the wall. If you aren’t going to paint the walls, use painters tape to protect the wall or use the brush to cut in a nice straight line along the wall’s edge.

Switch from brush to roller to start painting the rest of the ceiling. Start from the corner of the ceiling and start rolling nearest to a window, so that you can see the light from the window reflecting the wet paint. Then work your way across the room, rolling slowly when you’re near the wall to help avoid hitting it.
How to paint a ceiling with a roller

Step #4: Keep Your Roller Loaded

Each time you load your roller, start on an unpainted area and work back into a painted area. Paint the ceiling in one session, so the paint dries uniformly. Wait for the coat to dry to determine if a second coat is needed. Check the label instructions for dry times.

Your ceiling is refreshed and ready to fit in with the rest of your home’s interior design. For more ideas on ceiling color and design, check out Ceilings Ideas & Inspiration.

Have More Questions? Visit your local Benjamin Moore store or contact Customer Support.
An airy teen bedroom with ceiling in light purple paint color.

Ceilings Ideas & Inspiration

See our Ceiling Ideas & Inspiration page for creative ceiling ideas in a range of colors and rooms.

Step-by-Step Guides.

Step-by-Step Guides

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Waterborne Ceiling Paint

Waterborne Ceiling Paint

An ultra flat finish designed to hide common ceiling imperfections for a look that is virtually flawless.