FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

How do YOU paint a ceiling?

doitall | Posted in Construction Techniques on February 22, 2006 12:27pm

If you are rolling a a large ceiling, do you roll from one side all the way to the other (“strips” a roller width or two wide), or do you roll areas (say, 5′ x 5′).  Assuming in both cases that you are painting into the “wet” of the previous area.

On small ceilings, say 8 x 10 or 10 x 12, I always roll perpendicular to the direction of natural lighting from the main window (with consideration to the main path of human travel in the room), and roll from one side of the room to the other.  I always finish with a continuous roller pass that starts at one wall and ends at the other.  All subsequent paint is applied and rolled in the same manner/direction.  This always has worked well for me, and has given me good finish results.

My problem:  my finished basement ceiling height is 83″ inches (yup, 90 year old house.  Drywalled – no texture.  Very good finish job on taping.  But try as I might, I just can’t get a near perfect finish on the ceiling with a roller.  I tried both rolling sections, and rolling continous from side to side.  Ran a humidifier for a few hours so the air wasn’t super dry (Minnesota winter – boiler heat).  Is this ceiling just too LOW in height so that anything and everything can be picked up by a trained eye?  Suggestions, please.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    MarkH | Feb 22, 2006 12:30am | #1

    What gloss are you using? I would go for super flat.

    1. doitall | Feb 22, 2006 12:37am | #2

      I am using a super flat white ceiling paint.  Always worked well in the past on 8'+ ceilings.

  2. Frankie | Feb 22, 2006 12:59am | #3

    Try adding some Flotrol to help maintain the wet edge.

    Aslo try to feather more. Don't have hard edges or double coated areas. Instead, feather the paint so you have 2 half coat applications.

    F

    There he goes—one of God's own prototypes—a high powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live and too rare to die.

    —Hunter S. Thompson
    from Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas

  3. RW | Feb 22, 2006 02:02am | #4

    I assume spraying it is out of the range of probability?

    "A bore is a man who, when you ask him how he is, tells you." -Bert Taylor

    1. Hackinatit | Feb 22, 2006 06:35pm | #9

      I start at the most visible end (best light, etc) because by the end of the coat my arms and neck tend to be fatigued and the application less smooth. This puts the worst part in the least visible area.

      I apply in sections that aren't the same size as the last. 3'x4' then 2'x5' then 3'x4'. The second and third coats use a different "pattern" so the edges are in different locations. This staggers the edges and makes them less noticeable. I do this on every flat surface.  Troy Sprout

      Square, Level & Plumb Renovations

  4. DonCanDo | Feb 22, 2006 02:09am | #5

    Be sure to use a high quality paint (I use Benjamin Moore, but there are others).  The lesser quality paints sometimes use fillers that are porous (like clay, but I don't know if it's still used).  Painting a porous surface will cause the paint to dry too fast to maintain a wet edge.

    I roll whichever direction is the easiest to maintain a wet edge.  It's not always possible with larger ceilings, but I rarely have problems with lap marks.  In fact, I will sometimes roll on diagonals if it makes things easier and I don't see lap marks then either.

    You did use a good primer, yes?  That's important for a ceiling with such a good line of sight.

    -Don

  5. raymond128 | Feb 22, 2006 04:35am | #6

    Try a thinner nap roller like a 1/4" if youre not using that now.
    Make sure to use a good quality roller as well I only use Purdy.

    I also pre wet my rollers very lightly with a spray bottle to get the the nap wet.
    not too much though. then i run my hand over the roller. this hepls to get some of the lint off the roller and helps give a lint free finish. Not always perfect but works most of the time.

    The thinner nap roller may take you longer to get the ceiling painted but it will be smoother.

    Good luck
    Ray.

  6. TTF | Feb 22, 2006 08:44am | #7

    A roller is supposed to hold about 15 sq ft of paint. I do 3x5 blocks side-by-side, as to alsways get wet-to-wet paint. I move across, then back. I do the second coat perpendicular to the first. Make sure it dries a day between coats.

  7. User avater
    hammer1 | Feb 22, 2006 06:11pm | #8

    Rolling ceilings is tough. You need to keep a wet edge. Working sections is better for me. I use 18" rollers which cover more area. Don't try to roll it out too much, the idea is to get and even layer of material on quickly. Three or four strokes is better than rolling over the surface continuously.

    Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia

Listeners write in about fireplaces affecting family harmony and bionic suits, before asking questions about brick steps, ground-source heat pumps, and building a dome greenhouse in Maritime Canada.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data