How to Paint a Rounded Ceiling

Clear the room of all furniture and any other fixtures that can be removed while decorating takes place. Cover the floor with a large cloth to prevent damage from spilled or splashed paint. Cover any furniture, fixtures or other items that cannot be removed from the room, such as wall lights, with a cloth.

Place a stepladder by the wall and make sure it is both level and secure. Climb the stepladder and place a horizontal line of painter's masking tape across the bottom of the curve where the rounded ceiling meets the wall. This will be the dividing line between the colors of the wall and the ceiling. Check to make sure the masking tape is level all along the wall, using a spirit level.

Paint the ceiling with a paint roller up to the edges. This will allow you to paint the majority of the ceiling quickly and with minimal time and effort. Paint the edges, up to the masking tape line, and any intricate areas, such as coving, with a paintbrush. Wait for the paint to dry, then paint the ceiling a second time. Allow the paint to dry again. Remove the painter's masking tape.