Paint Ceiling Before Walls
Ceiling painting is the part most people dread, but with the right technique and tools, it's manageable. Always paint ceilings before walls so any drips land on unpainted surfaces. Master the extension pole and you'll save your neck and get better results.
Quick Summary
Time needed
1.5-2 hours per room
Cost
$25-35 (ceiling paint)
Difficulty
Moderate (physically demanding)
Why Paint Ceilings First
This is a non-negotiable rule of painting: ceiling before walls, always. Even careful ceiling painting creates some drips and splatter. If your walls are already painted, you'll spend hours touching them up.
The professional order: Ceiling first, then walls from top to bottom, then trim and details. This way gravity works in your favor—drips land on surfaces you haven't painted yet.
Most rooms need ceiling paint anyway. Even if your walls are the main project, a fresh white ceiling makes a huge difference. Ceilings yellow and collect dirt over time, and fresh ceiling paint makes everything look cleaner and brighter.
What You'll Need
Materials
- •Ceiling paint (flat finish, often labeled "ceiling white")
- •Paint conditioner (Floetrol) for better flow
Tools
- •4-8 foot extension pole (longer is better for ceilings)
- •3/8-inch nap roller cover (for smooth ceilings)
- •2-3 inch angled brush
- •Safety glasses (to protect from drips)
Step-by-Step Ceiling Painting
1. Cut In the Ceiling Edges
Just like walls, start by brushing a border around the perimeter where the ceiling meets the walls.
Ceiling cutting-in tips:
- •Paint the ceiling color slightly onto the wall (you'll cover this later)
- •This is easier than trying to be perfectly precise against the wall
- •Create a 2-3 inch border all around the ceiling
- •Cut in around light fixtures and ceiling fans too
Tip: Work in sections—cut in a manageable area, then roll it immediately. Don't cut in the whole ceiling then roll, or your edges will dry.
2. Set Up Your Extension Pole and Roller
A good extension pole makes ceiling painting 10 times easier. Don't try to reach overhead—let the pole do the work.
Extension pole setup:
- •Extend pole to comfortable length (not full extension)
- •You should be able to roll ceiling while standing on the floor
- •Test different angles to find what's most comfortable for you
- •Load roller from floor level—never overhead with full tray
3. Work in Manageable Sections
Divide the ceiling into 3x3 foot sections mentally. Complete one section before moving to the next.
Ceiling section strategy:
- 1.Start in the corner with the most natural light (usually opposite the door)
- 2.Work across the shorter dimension of the room (fewer long passes)
- 3.Paint in straight lines, overlapping each pass by about 50%
- 4.Move systematically across the ceiling without skipping around
Important: Ceilings dry faster than walls because heat rises. Work quickly to maintain a wet edge, or you'll see lap marks where sections meet.
4. Use Proper Rolling Technique
Ceiling rolling is similar to walls but with some important differences.
Ceiling rolling technique:
- •Keep pole at a slight angle, not straight up (easier to control)
- •Use long, smooth strokes in one direction
- •Overlap the previous stroke while it's still wet by at least 50%
- •Use light pressure—let the weight of the roller and pole do the work
- •Watch for drips forming on the roller and wipe them before they fall
5. Manage Arm Fatigue
Ceiling painting is physically demanding. Take breaks and use proper technique to avoid injury.
Reduce strain and fatigue:
- •Take a 2-minute break every 15-20 minutes to rest your arms
- •Switch arms periodically if possible
- •Don't press hard—you're fighting gravity which provides pressure
- •Stand directly under where you're painting when possible
- •Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from drips
Pro Tips
Pro tip: Add paint conditioner (Floetrol) to ceiling paint. This extends the working time so paint stays wet longer, reducing lap marks. Use about 8 oz per gallon.
Pro tip: Use ceiling-specific paint if available. It's formulated to be less drippy and covers better than regular flat paint. The splatter-resistant formulas are worth the extra cost.
Pro tip: Paint parallel to the shortest dimension of the room. Fewer long passes means less arm fatigue and faster work.
Pro tip: If painting white over white ceiling, tint your primer slightly gray or off-white. This makes it easier to see where you've been and spot any missed areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I paint the ceiling or walls first?
Always paint ceilings before walls. Any drips or splatter that land on walls will be covered when you paint them. If you paint walls first, ceiling drips ruin your work and you'll need to touch up constantly. The professional order is: ceiling, then walls, then trim.
How do I avoid getting neck and shoulder pain when painting ceilings?
Use a quality extension pole so you're not reaching overhead constantly. Keep the pole at a slight angle rather than straight up—this uses your arms and body instead of just shoulders. Take breaks every 20-30 minutes to rest your arms. And don't press hard on the roller; let the weight of the pole do the work.
Why does my ceiling paint look streaky?
Ceiling streaks usually mean you're not maintaining a wet edge. Ceilings dry faster than walls because heat rises, so you need to work quickly and always roll into wet paint. Use a paint conditioner like Floetrol to extend working time. Also ensure you're using enough paint on your roller—too little creates thin, streaky coverage.
Ready for the Next Step?
Ceiling is done! Now you need to wait for it to dry before applying your second wall coat.