How to paint the ceiling with water-based paint

Not a single cosmetic repair is complete without painting the ceiling. For this, water-based compositions based on polymers are used. The quality of the appearance of the ceiling depends on the proper use of paint. Often, novice painters face the problem of divorces. They appear due to the wrong painting technique.

This article will be useful for those who want to learn how to avoid such problems. It describes in detail the rules and technique of painting, observing that you will be able to prevent the occurrence of stains. But before you start painting the ceiling, you need to choose the right paint composition.

The choice of water-based paint

The consumer market has a rich assortment of water-based paints of different composition and purpose. To avoid mistakes, carefully read the label on the jar. It indicates the type of composition and method of application. There are four types of water-based paints:

• silicate;
• acrylic;
• silicone;
• latex.

In ordinary rooms, paints with latex and acrylic are used. They dry quickly, do not emit pungent odors, and are resistant to wet cleaning using chemicals.

In rooms where the humidity level is high, paints based on silicone and silicate are used. For example, in the kitchen and bathroom. Due to its composition, they create a vapor-permeable layer on the surface that absorbs moisture, and then slowly evaporates it.

Ceiling surface preparation

Before applying water-based paint, carefully prepare the ceiling. To do this, remove the old whitewash layer. If the ceiling has damaged areas, rub the defects with putty. Align the entire surface, and primer in the end.

1. Ceiling cleaning. To remove lime whitewash, wet the surface well. This is done with a water spray or conventional roller. To achieve maximum effect, repeat this procedure twice at intervals of twenty minutes. Lime absorbs water well, this will help to easily remove it from the surface. To scrape off the whitewash, use a metal spatula. After cleaning, wash the ceiling with a sponge.
2. Elimination of defects. Expand the cracks or chips that have developed and fill with finishing putty. Do this in small portions, trying to rub deeper. After giving time to dry, rub the putty with a sandpaper.
3. Surface alignment. When repairing cracks and chips, you may have noticed that the ceiling has uneven areas. To fix this, use a thin layer of putty. It has plasticity and adheres well to the surface. To apply putty, use a wide spatula. In areas with large recesses, make several layers. Get a perfectly flat surface throughout the ceiling.
4. Primer for the ceiling. After leveling the ceiling, it must be primed. The primer fills micropores, makes the putty surface smooth, improves adhesion of water-based paint. Apply the primer in two layers at intervals of 15–20 minutes.

Necessary tools

To apply water-based paint without streaks to the surface, select the right tool. Pay special attention to this step. For painting you will need the following tools:

1. The roller is the main tool in the painting business. It has a foam and fur surface.To paint the ceiling with water emulsion, it is better to use rollers with a fur coat, which has an average pile length. Foam when rolling creates small bubbles with air - this must not be allowed! And the fur coat leaves a relief mark that masks small scratches well.
2. Brush - used to paint places that the roller cannot capture. Ideal for spot work in areas close to the wall. To make this process convenient, it is better to use brushes with an average head size.
3. A bath is a plastic tray with a small indentation filled with paint. It is convenient to use for dipping the roller.
4. Construction mixer - used for paint dilution.
5. Polyethylene and masking tape - will help protect the walls and furniture from getting on them with a coloring solution.
6. Protective equipment: work clothes, glasses, a hat and gloves.

If you plan to paint the ceiling in two or three shades, then for each color you need to use a new brush, roller and tray. Using the same tool for all the work, you mix the shades. The result is not the kind that was conceived.

Rules for painting the ceiling

When painting the ceiling with water-based paint, many make mistakes. There are nuances that are important to be aware of. For example, it is necessary to take into account the rays of light or the sequence of painting areas. Following the rules, you will be able to make the surface of the ceiling without streaks.

• Always start painting from the corners, and then the rest of the area.
• Apply several coats of water-based paint at intervals over time.
• Give twelve hours to each layer to dry.
• After finishing work, cover the windows with a cloth so that the light does not reach the surface. The sun's rays can leave dark spots on the ceiling.
• Do not allow draft in the room until the emulsion coating dries.
• Do not dry the ceiling with electrical devices.

Water-based paint application technology

There are several technologies for applying water-based paint. The choice of method depends on the conditions in which it will be operated and the type of coating. In our case, it is necessary to make the surface without streaks. In order for the paint to please its appearance for a long time, apply the following tips regarding the painting technology:

1. Start painting from the corners and borders of the abutment wall and ceiling. Determine the farthest corner from the front door. Dip a brush into the paint and walk it along the perimeter of the ceiling. The width of the line can be 5–10 cm. This is done so as not to touch the walls when working with a roller.
2. Having finished work with the perimeter, proceed to painting the main area of ​​the ceiling. Fill the patches with water emulsion and dip the roller in it. Then roll well on white paper so that the paint evenly soaks the pile and start painting the ceiling.
3. Hold the roller at an angle of 45 degrees, taking care not to be above your head.
4. Apply the first coat in parallel with the rays of light falling on the ceiling. Do the second pass perpendicularly. The third coat should be applied in the same way as the first.
5. Make parallel movements with an overlap of 5 cm. Watch for uniformity of application of the layer. Do not roll many times in one place - an influx will form.
6. To remove excess water emulsion from the ceiling, walk around the site with a dry roller without paint - its coat will absorb excess.
7. Use a bright directional beam of light, such as from a flashlight, to determine surface quality.
8. Apply the final layer with a new roller, this will help to achieve an even distribution of the coloring composition and prevent the appearance of stains.

Water based paint is an affordable way to create a beautiful ceiling. For the quality of work to be at its best, practice and adherence to simple technology are needed. The result will be a surface that will delight with its uniformity.

Video: how to paint the ceiling with high quality