Trouble painting ceiling (first time painter)

15 years ago

I've just spent the better part of the day attempting to pain the ceiling in our master bedroom, and am incredibly frustrated. I purchased a quality telescoping extension pole because I'm short and using it was much more comfortable. Unfortunately with both roller kits I purchased today fro OSH, their plastic handles snapped off while applying paint. I'm applying the paint somewhat firmly but not excessively because the texture of the ceiling is fairly rough when compared to the walls. If I don't push hard enough the paint doesn't fill the crevices. I even bought 3/4" rollers since the store recommended taller "nap" for this type of finish.

What am I doing wrong? Are these plastic handle rollers just junk? Anybody recommend a nicer set of rollers that won't break at the drop of a hat?

Featured Answer

calgal59

15 years ago

Ceilings are the most difficult to paint; sometimes you can do your best work, but still end up with a so-so looking ceiling because the sheetrock installations wasn't done well. I've painted some really ugly ceilings, but I've picked up some really good tips over the years from pros that produce better results.

Sheen
A dead flat ceiling paint is best as it is non-reflective, thus will not show as many imperfections in the ceiling. I prefer white for the ceilings, but that is just a personal preference that developed after I painted some really ugly colored ceilings :o

Kitchens and bathrooms require a sheen for stain and moisture protection, but technique and equipment (speed and a longer roller) will help give you a will give better result.

Too Dry a Roller
The most common mistake we DIY painters make is we wipe all the paint off the roller after we dip it in the paint tray. Go figure!

In order to paint, we must leave paint on the roller. DIY ugly roller marks are more often than not from a dry edge due to our applying too thin a layer of paint. DonÂt be afraid to load that roller. Too much paint on the roller and it will splatter all over you; not enough and you will roll a relatively thin layer and need to re-load almost immediately.

Size of Roller & Speed
Use an 18â³ roller cover instead of a 9â³ cover--the more space you cover with each roll, the better. Besides, why anyone would torture themselves by painting a ceiling with a 9" cover is beyond me.

For best results on a ceiling, you need to work in a FAST and SMOOTH motion; you want to cover your roller tracks and even out the paint before the edge dries. Speed is of the essenceÂpaint quickly.

Direction of Roll is Extremely Important!
ALWAYS roll the paint in the direction PERPENDICULAR to the MAIN SOURCE of LIGHT FROM WHERE YOU ENTER THE ROOM.

If you have two sources of light pick the light source you see as you enter the room and paint perpendicular to that light source.

My best tip: shop at a real paint store run by a paint dealer who actually knows something about paint products and tools. There are many people on this site who think that paint dealers are overpriced and not worth it--I don't agree. Many paint dealers are very knowledge about the products on the market. I may pay $2 more for a brush or a tool--but what I gain in knowledge and receive in assistance is worth a lot more. When I have questions about paint products, problems, techniques, etc. I just go in or call--questions asked and answered. When I ask the kid at Home Depot a question about paint products, I get a "I'm not really sure about that." All of the above tips come paint dealers--dealers who actually spent years as painters!

Besides, I would rather support my local paint dealer than the big box corporation.

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Comments (8)

paintguy22
15 years ago
Usually, everything in those kits are junk. The sleeves will usually shed and hold paint unevenly. For best results, buy the best stuff. It's only a few dollars more. The 3/4" nap is a good idea for textured surfaces. Good sleeves are Purdy White Doves or Wooster SuperFab. The frames you want to buy are Wooster Sherlocks because they are not only strong, but they lock the sleeves in place so they don't slide off. When you are rolling a textured surface you want to make sure that you load the sleeve really well with paint. The more paint in the sleeve, the less pressure you will have to apply. Let the sleeve do the work for you.
vikingshelmut
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the suggestion. That looks like a nice roller. Hopefully it can withstand some pressure :-)
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Faron79
15 years ago
What Paintguy said!!

To be more specific when shopping...
* The frames he mentions have a 5/16" (instead of 1/4") frame/neck.
* The handle where the pole screws/attaches is stronger too.
* The Wooster Super-Fab 3/4", and the Purdy Contractor-1st 3/4" sleeves are popular 'round here for popcorn ceilings.
* I like the 3/4" "Slit-Foam" design. If you run your finger along this roller, you'll notice all the "slices".
These do NEED TO BE RINSED OUT/DE-FUZZED b4 use though!!
* Squeeze all the water out, and let dry for a couple hours...maybe the night b4 doing the painting.
* FOR THE FIRST LOADING...Let the paint soak in for a couple minutes, regardless what cover-style you use...load again...let soak another 2 minutes.
* Now, roll off the excess and start painting!

Main point:
* It takes a deeply-saturated sleeve to apply paint evenly.
* Notice I didn't say "paint dripping off the roller".
* With a properly loaded roller, you should be able to walk around the room and not spill a drop.

Faron
vikingshelmut
Original Author
15 years ago
I picked up a couple of Wooster Sherlock rollers and they are TONS better, thanks! I appreciate your help.
paintguy22
15 years ago
I also would recommend buying the Sherlock extension poles. They don't screw in...instead there is a button that clicks into a hole. It's more sturdy and won't spin away while you are rolling because it is not threaded. It's a system...only works with Sherlock frames and poles. The 18" rollers are heavy, especially when you are using a fully loaded 3/4" nap sleeve and are rolling over your head. You may get tired faster and when you get tired that is when your roller slides all over the ceiling, you get skidding and you start applying uneven pressure. It may work for you....I imagine it depends on how strong and coordinated you are. It also requires you to buy a special frame and tray and you cannot roll tight into the corners because the frame sticks out on both sides.
kimcoco
15 years ago
I have to agree with Calgal about finding a reputable paint store run by retired painters and contractors, instead of the local box stores. I drive across town to get my paint...the service and pro tips are all worth the extra gas $ and my time.

The quality of paint makes a considerable difference too - don't skimp, it's like night and day when you go from the cheap stuff to better quality brands.

Good luck!
Michael
15 years ago
Professional grade products sure make a difference!

I repainted my daughter's 20X20 great room ceiling this week with an 18" roller. If you're a DIY'er, or a short female, an 18" roller, properly loaded with paint, will kick your butt. It did mine!

Michael

Trouble painting ceiling (first time painter)

calgal59

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