Home Garden

How to Paint a PVA Ceiling

PVA is a type of primer that is used to cover drywall, gypsum wallboard, concrete and brick. It seals while it prepares the surface for painting. Painting a ceiling with this type of primer is easy because the primer dries quickly, usually within 4 hours, and creates a smooth, flawless finish. Paint over the primer as soon as it is dry so you are working on a clean surface.

Things You'll Need

  • Drop cloths
  • Painter tape
  • 9-inch roller paint brush
  • 1/2-inch roller paint cover
  • Roller pole
  • 2 1/2-inch bristle brush
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Select a latex paint to use over the PVA primer. You will need about 1 gallon for 400 sq. ft. of ceiling.

    • 2

      Prepare the room for painting by removing as much clutter as possible, covering the floors and clustering the remaining furniture in the center under a dropcloth. Use tape around the edges of the ceiling where you don't want paint to go. Lower the light fixture, if possible, so you can paint around it.

    • 3

      Attach your roller brush to a roller pole and dip the brush into your paint. Smooth the paint onto the ceiling being sure to use a light hand and even strokes. Cover the entire ceiling except the outer edges. Cut in the outer edges using a bristle paintbrush. Allow the paint to dry completely according to the package instructions.