How to Paint Over Water Stains On Your Ceiling

Thoroughly clean the water-stained ceiling. Remove mold and mildew to allow the paint to make a good bond with the ceiling. Mix 1 cup hot water with 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing detergent and 1/2 teaspoon of bleach. Using a sponge, blot the stained area with the cleaning solution. Rinse by blotting with plain water. Allow to dry. Depending on the humidity in your home, the drying process can take anywhere from two hours to two days. Determine if the area is dry enough by blotting with tissue paper. If there is moisture on the tissue paper, the ceiling is not dry enough to paint.

Test your paint in an inconspicuous area, such as the ceiling of your closet, once the stained area has dried. Use a sponge style brush for best results.

Lay down a drop cloth under the area you need to paint. Ensure your stepladder is firmly open and on a level surface.

Apply a stain-sealer/primer product on the stained area by dabbing it with a foam brush. Let the sealant dry.

Dab the ceiling with paint using another sponge brush. Stroking the brush back and forth can damage any ceiling texture. Dabbing also helps blend the new paint with your existing ceiling.

Allow to dry for one to two hours. Add a second coat if needed.