Paint A Dark Ceiling

Pale colors reflect more light.

Crisp white paint is one option for bringing some light to a dark ceiling. If you don't want to sacrifice color, though, you can still give your room a more expansive look through painting the ceiling the same color or a slightly lighter shade of your wall color. Keep in mind that colors will look darker if your room does not get a lot of light. Using a palette of lighter colors will help counteract this.

Instructions

1. Clear the room of all unnecessary objects. Remove any furniture you can. Put canvas dropcloths on the floor. Aim portable lights at the ceiling, such as a torchiere lamp to illuminate the work area.

2. Open a can of ceiling paint. Use a stir stick to disperse the pigment.

3. Use a step stool to cut around the ceiling with your brush. Apply a strip of paint on the ceiling, where it meets the wall. Do not worry about getting paint on the wall if you are planning to paint the walls next.

4. Attach an extension pole to the handle of your paint roller. Start in one corner of the ceiling. Roll paint on in one direction, then roll across your strokes to fill in all areas with an even coat. Wait for the paint to dry.

5. Look at the ceiling to see if you need to add a second coat. If so, begin the second coat, again painting the ceiling edges. Fill in the rest of the ceiling with the roller.

Tags: ceiling with, colors will, painting ceiling, second coat, your room