Tips for Painting Sloped Ceilings in multi-level homes
It is quite challenging to paint a sloped ceiling, especially for homeowners who prefer to do this task themselves. Besides the pointed angles that call for careful trimming, sloped ceilings require more attention to details when it comes to choosing appropriate colors. Sloping areas unsurprisingly show a restrained color shade. Since it is more close to walls than the ordinary ceilings, it has a big influence on the room’s color structure which in return influences the feeling of openness.
Material Requirements for Painting
You will require the following tools and materials before you begin the painting; ladder, primer, measuring tape, paint stirring sticks, paintbrush, wide piece of cloth, cleaning rags, soap detergent, masking tape, rollers, and inner paint.
Here are quick tips on how to paint slopped ceilings
1. Choose the Appropriate Type of Interior Wall Paint
The type of interior wall paint determines the appearance of the paint on the final product. Flat or satin are some of the recommended options you can choose from. Make sure that the paint that is being applied to the sloped ceiling compliments the paint on the walls. Determine the quantity of paint you will require to complete painting the ceiling. This can be easily done by calculating the surface area of the ceiling and then dividing the results by 350 (recommended number of square feet painted surface per gallon of paint).
2. Select the Best Color
Choose a color for your sloped ceiling. Although most ceilings are white, match your sloped ceiling with the walls of the room to create a sense of height; this effect, which causes the lines of the ceiling to disappear, makes the ceiling look long and lean. Choose a light color to give a low sloped ceiling the illusion of height or a dark color to enhance the cozy feeling of a study or foyer.
3. Seal Off Unwanted Areas
Using masking tape, seal off the boundaries of the walls and other areas that you want to avoid when painting. These include windows, outlets, lights and vents among others.
4. Protect the Floor SurfaceSpread a large piece of material, on the floor under the ceiling to absorb any paint drops falling off. Use a ladder if necessary with someone to help you in ensuring that it is stable throughout the painting procedure.
5. Clean the Sloped Ceiling
Simply dusting before painting is often enough if the ceiling has a flat finish, but in areas like kitchens and bathroom it is a good idea to use a clean rag with a mixture of warm water and dish soap, clean the entire surface of the sloped ceiling to make sure that it is completely clean and free from dust. Give it time to dehydrate entirely before proceeding with the painting process.
6. Apply the Paint
Using a mixing stick, mix your paint thoroughly and apply to the surface. Insert your paintbrush one to two inches into the paint and paint the surface area of the ceiling, bends, and other hidden spaces. Then, with the aid of a roller or paintbrush, paint the remaining surfaces as soon as possible. For better results apply extended strokes moving in one direction. Give the paint time to dehydrate as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. When dry, check the consistency and apply an extra coat where applicable.
Painting Tips
• Always have a wet rag with you throughout the painting process. This will help you clear any errors you make as you paint. For instance, you could unintentionally extend beyond the lines of a complicated surface.• In case you are painting the whole room, always paint the ceiling first ahead of painting the walls.
Safety Precaution• Ensure that the working environment is well aerated to avoid suffocation from the strong smell from the paint. • Put on protective gears like mouth covers and spectacles while painting. • Follow all instructions given by the manufacturers of your primer and paint. Having followed the above tips for painting sloped ceilings, you can be sure of quality and long-lasting sloped ceiling in your room. If it sounds a little too complicated, you can always enlist the services of a professional painter to have it done right.