How to Paint New Ceilings With an Airless Sprayer

Spread the drop cloths to protect the floor in the work area. Cover the windows with newspaper and secure the paper in place with painter's tape. Cover the outlets and switches with painter's tape.

Pull the tab on the lid of the 5-gallon bucket of paint to remove the seal. Lift the lid off the bucket. Lean the airless sprayer back, slide the paint bucket under the intake stem and lower the sprayer back into position.

Turn on the spray unit. Point the nozzle back into the paint bucket. Tap the trigger repeatedly to prime the hose with paint.

Drag the nozzle and hose into the work area. Leave the main unit in a separate area.

Aim the nozzle of the sprayer at the ceiling. Spray paint onto the ceiling in short bursts while moving the nozzle in smooth, side-to-side motions. Use the spray shield to keep the paint off the walls when painting the edges of the ceiling.

Apply 3 coats of paint to the ceiling. Let each coat of paint dry completely before applying the next coat.

Fill an empty 5-gallon bucket 3/4 full of water. Remove the paint bucket from under the spray unit. Slide the water bucket under the sprayer.

Point the nozzle of the sprayer at an empty 5-gallon bucket. Pull the trigger and spray into the bucket until only clear water is coming from the nozzle. Wipe the outside of the sprayer, hose and nozzle with a wet rag. Remove the tape, newspaper and drop cloths from the work area.