How to Paint Interior Dormers & Ceilings

Remove as much furniture from the room as possible. Move the remainder into the middle of the floor and cover it with a protective cover. Place protective covers on the floor. Place masking tape on the glass around the window frame to prevent paint getting on the glass.

Check for defects in the baseboards, walls, ceiling and window frames. Fill all holes or cracks and level them off even with the surface with the filler knife. Allow the filler to dry, then sand it smooth with the sandpaper. Lightly sand all wooden areas to provide a grip for paint. Vacuum up the dust and wash all surfaces being painted with warm water and mild detergent. Allow them to dry thoroughly.

Apply knotting solution to any knots showing through on the dormer window frame, or the baseboards. Apply wall primer to the sloping ceiling, knee wall and walls of the bay created by the dormer. Cut in along trim and edges with a small paintbrush. Use a roller on the rest.

Apply wood primer to the window frame and ledge with a paintbrush, making sure the knotting solution has dried first. Allow all primer to dry thoroughly. If you are trying to cover over a strong color on the walls and ceiling, apply a second coat of primer.

Apply a second coat of primer to the window frame and baseboards, using a paintbrush. Once the primer on the walls and ceiling is bone dry, apply the first coat of paint to these areas. Use a small brush to cut in along trim and wall edges. Apply paint with a roller to the rest.

Allow all surfaces to dry thoroughly. Apply a second coat of paint to the walls and ceiling. Apply the first coat of oil-based paint, or latex paint specifically for wood, to the baseboards and window frame. Allow this to dry thoroughly, before applying a second coat.

Remove latex paint from brushes and rollers by holding them under running water. Remove oil-based paint using brush cleaner. Wash all brushes and rollers in warm water and mild detergent. Rinse them thoroughly, and allow them to dry before putting them away.