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Contained in this section...
Ceiling Rose
Awkwardly placed – generally in the middle of the ceiling. First of all – mask it! Then use a mini-roller to paint around the rose to a width that will allow you use your large roller unhindered.
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Ceiling Rose with Decorative Plasterwork (Back to Top)
If your ceiling rose is incorporated into decorative plasterwork mask the plastic rose, pour a small quantity of ceiling paint into a paint kettle or container and apply carefully by brush. Paint to a width that will allow you use your roller unhindered.
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Cornice (Back to Top)
Pour a small quantity of ceiling paint into a paint kettle or container and apply carefully by brush. A wide brush is best and don’t worry about getting paint on the wall. By overpainting onto the wall you ensure that the narrow edge at the bottom of the cornice is completely covered. When you finally cut-in with the wall colour emulsion you will have a sharp defining line between the two which will serve to make the cornice really stand out. |
Cornice to be white but not the ceiling?
There are occasions where the usual white cornice / white ceiling is not what's wanted. If this is the case by far and away the best method of approach is to
1. Paint the cornice with a wide-bristle brush as normal and repeat for second coat
2. When completely dry CAREFULLY apply Safe-Release Masking Tape all around the edge of the cornice.
There is absolutely NO point in not applying the masking tape carefully. The whole idea is to give a result that has a really sharp defining line between the ceiling and the cornice. Bleed-through will occur if the masking isn't exact.
3. Using your long-handled mini-roller apply the chosen emulsion right up to the cornice edge and paint as normal. Repeat for second coat.
4. When the emulsion is completely dry CAREFULLY remove the masking tape
OK!
This method is more time-consuming in the amount of masking-off that has to be done and yes, safe-release masking-tape is more expensive, but compared to trying to cut-in upside-down with a brush the end-result is no-contest! And, after all, that's why you're on this site! Isn't it?
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Extractor fans (Back to Top)
Found in bathrooms and shower cubicles. Mask them off to avoid unsightly overpainting. Better still, if they can be loosened from the ceiling you will minimise the potential for paint peeling away as the seal between fitting and ceiling paint is tighter. |
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Light Fittings (Back to Top)
If appropriate and possible mask around them at the ceiling join. Place a plastic drop sheet or bag over expensive fittings and tie so as to avoid splatters on brass or crystal fittings. |
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Recessed Ceiling Lights (Back to Top)
Very awkward!
Although you are supposed to be able to pull them away from the ceiling I find that they do not come away cleanly and take some of the plaster board edge away also. Some have an edge around which you can apply masking-tape but some have a wafer-thin edge which the tape won’t grip. If not – apply emulsion using a brush CAREFULLY! Awkwardness is multiplied as these fittings usually come in multiples on a ceiling! |
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Roof Windows (Back to Top)
Typically have a varnished edge as a surround when set into the ceiling. There are two methods of approach
1. Paint the reveals with a brush; in which case you should not need to mask
the wooden edge
2. Use a mini-roller, in which case you will definitely need to mask!
Advantages of method 2 are speed and consistency of finish. A brush will leave a smoother finished surface than the roller but since the rest of the ceiling will have been rolled in my opinion it pays to have a similar finish.
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Smoke Detectors (Back to Top)
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Smoke detectors perform a vitally important function so extra care must be taken when painting ceilings where they are installed. Battery operated units are easily removed – generally just two screws are used. If the unit cannot be taken down – mask it off |
Stippled Ceilings (Back to Top)
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Have a textured surface as opposed to a smooth one. Same approach as smooth but use a slightly deeper-pile roller to save effort and make sure you cover the entire surface indents. |
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