How to Paint Ceilings After Sheetrock

Priming the Sheetrock

• 1

  Wipe down the ceiling with a damp micro-fiber tack cloth, rinsing out the cloth periodically to keep it clean. It's very important the ceiling are free of joint compound dust, which will prevent the primer and paint from adequately adhering to the surface.

• 2

  Slide the roller cover over the end of the roller until it is securely on, then wrap the roller cover in masking tape and pull off the tape. This will remove any excess and loose fibers from the roller cover. Failure to do this will result in these fibers getting embedded in the ceiling when you apply the primer.

• 3

  Screw in the roller extension pole into the end of the the roller. A 6-foot extension will work fine for a 10-to 12-foot ceiling height. For cathedral ceilings, you may need a longer extension. In this case, subtract your height from the highest point of the ceiling to calculate how long of an extension you will need. By using an extension, you'll be able to paint the ceiling while standing on the floor, instead of moving around on a ladder.

• 4

  Pour the primer into the roller pan, then load the roller with primer by rolling it back and forth in the roller pan.

• 5

  Start in one corner of the room and roll the primer on the ceiling, working in 4-foot by 4-foot sections. Roll the primer on in a W pattern, then roll out the entire area you're working on so the primer is a smooth, thin coat. Do not apply excess pressure to the roller, because this will leave roller marks on the ceiling. Work quickly so there is always a wet edge of primer to avoid having lines on the ceiling.

• 6

  Continue working across the ceiling until the entire ceiling has been coated in primer, then allow the primer to dry and cure. The actual drying time varies from one manufacturer to another, so follow the instructions on the label.

Painting the Ceiling

• 7

  Lightly sand the ceiling with a pole sander with fine-grit sandpaper. This will knock off any debris that got on the ceiling during the priming process, such as extra fibers from the roller cover.

• 8

  Wipe down the ceiling with a dry micro-fiber tack cloth.

• 9

  Put a new roller cover onto the roller and use masking tape to pull off any excess fibers on it.

• 10

  Pour the ceiling paint into a clean roller pan, then load the roller with paint.

• 11

  Apply the paint the same way you did the primer, working in 4-foot by 4-foot sections and working quickly to maintain a wet edge.