Painting a Ceiling: Tips and Tricks from a Professional

Ceiling Painting Like a Pro

Painting ceilings is one of the most challenging DIY jobs — but it doesn’t have to be. Here are the techniques professional painters use to achieve a perfect, streak-free ceiling finish.

1. Use the Right Paint

Always use a dedicated ceiling paint or a high-quality matt emulsion. Ceiling paints are formulated to be thicker (reducing drips) and have excellent coverage on the first coat. We use Dulux Trade Supermatt for ceilings.

2. Get the Right Roller

Use a medium-pile roller (around 12mm) for smooth ceilings, or a long-pile roller for textured ceilings. A good roller makes an enormous difference to the finish. Always use an extension pole — never try to paint a ceiling from a ladder with a short roller.

3. Cut In First

Use a 2-inch angled brush to “cut in” around the edges — where the ceiling meets the walls, around light fittings, and along any coving. Work about 5cm from the edges. This gives your roller a neat border to work to.

4. Roll in One Direction

Roll in parallel lines, working across the shortest dimension of the room. Slightly overlap each pass. Keep a wet edge — don’t let the paint start drying before you’ve finished a section, or you’ll see lines.

5. Don’t Overload the Roller

This is the number one cause of drips and spatters. Dip the roller into the tray and roll it back and forth on the ramp to distribute paint evenly. The roller should be loaded but not dripping.

6. Light Your Way

Use a bright light angled across the ceiling to spot any missed areas or uneven patches while the paint is still wet. This is a professional trick that makes a huge difference.

7. Two Coats Minimum

Always apply at least two coats, even if the first coat looks good. Two coats ensures even coverage, consistent colour, and proper durability. Allow at least 4 hours between coats.

When to Call a Professional

Ceiling painting can be physically demanding and tricky to get right, especially with high ceilings or stairwells. If you’d prefer a hassle-free professional finish, get in touch — ceiling painting is one of our specialities.