Acoustic ceilings with their textured surfaces look different than flat walls, but you generally paint them in much the same manner. The quickest way to paint acoustic ceilings is with a spray-painting rig. But most people don't have the expertise, or don't have the budget to rent a rig. Use the right technique and you can attain excellent results painting an acoustic ceiling with a standard roller. Prepare properly before painting and avoid what could be a messy job.
Instructions
1. Purchase a paint with a flat sheen. This is the best type for painting acoustic ceilings. Determine how much paint you will need by measuring the length and width of the room and multiplying these two numbers together. Consult the label on the paint can to see how much the manufacturer says it can cover, and buy accordingly.
2. Clear the room of all furniture. Cover the floor with plastic or heavy-duty fabric drop cloths. Do not use sheets because paint can easily soak through.
3. Stir the paint thoroughly and pour it into a 5-gallon bucket until the bucket is about half full. It takes a lot of paint to thoroughly coat an acoustic ceiling, so it's easier to use a bucket instead of a rolling pan. Attach the rolling pole to the roller frame and slide the semi-rough roller cover onto the frame. Press hard to make sure the cover is firmly in place.
4. Dip the roller into the of paint and saturate it. Rub the roller against the screen to remove excess paint and avoid runs and drips. Carefully apply the roller to an area of the ceiling and begin painting. Press relatively lightly as you roll. Roll in a straight line and not in odd patterns. If your acoustic ceiling has never been painted before, expect a lot of it to shed while you paint.
5. Leave about 3 inches of unpainted area along the edges of the acoustic ceiling. After you've applied a coat with the roller, use your brush to finish painting this unpainted area. If your ceiling is new or you are switching to a new color, you will probably need to apply two or even three coats.
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