How to paint a ceiling without streaks or stains

To paint a ceiling without stains, clean the surface well, treat old stains with a suitable primer, use matt ceiling paint and always paint in strips, without stopping halfway. The ceiling is the hardest surface to paint, because raking light shows up every flaw. With a method and good light, the result is even.

First, find out where the stains come from

If the ceiling already has stains, new paint will not solve the problem on its own. It is worth understanding the cause.

Yellowish or brownish stains, circular in shape, may be water seeping in from the floor above or from the roof.
Dark, speckled stains, especially in corners, are usually mould, caused by condensation and poor ventilation.
Grey stains above light fittings or radiators are dirt.
Stains near the kitchen may be grease or smoke.

If the stain comes from a leak, fix the leak first and wait for the ceiling to dry completely. If it is mould, clean it with a suitable product. If the stain is dirt or grease, wash with water and mild detergent and let it dry.

Prepare the ceiling

Cover the floor and furniture. A ceiling splatters a lot.
Remove dust and cobwebs with a cloth or a soft brush.
Scrape off any loose or peeling paint.
Fill cracks with filler and sand lightly.
Wipe off the dust with a damp cloth and let it dry.
Apply primer, especially over stains and repaired areas.

For water, smoke or grease stains, use a stain-blocking primer. Without it, the stain shows through the new paint again, even after several coats.

Which paint and which roller

For ceilings, matt paint is the most widely used, because it hides imperfections better. A paint with a sheen shows every flaw. Choose a paint made for ceilings, which tends to run less.

Use a medium-pile roller and an extension pole, so you can work standing up with your body straighter. Roll off the excess paint on the tray before you reach up, so it does not drip.

How to paint without marks

Roller marks and visible joins happen when the paint has already started to dry before you work it. The trick is to always keep a wet edge.

Start with the corners and the line next to the walls, using a brush.
Straight afterwards, use the roller, before the cut-in dries.
Work in short strips, moving from the window towards the inside of the room.
Always make the last pass in the same direction, with light pressure.
Do not take breaks in the middle of a strip. If you have to stop, stop at a corner or a natural joint.

If you can, ask someone to help: one person cuts in and the other rolls. That way the paint does not dry along the way.

Second coat and checking

Wait for the time given on the tin and apply the second coat. To check it has come out well, turn off the lights and hold a torch against the ceiling. Raking light shows up flaws. If you see different patches, correct them before the paint dries completely.

Very light colours on the ceiling, such as white, are the easiest to even out. Darker colours need more care and more coats.

Tip: Paint with the window open but without direct sun on the ceiling, and avoid fans pointing upwards. Very strong air dries the paint too fast and leaves marks.