How to paint a ceiling plinth made of foam: do it yourself

A quick and easy way to give any room a final touch is to paint a foam ceiling plinth. Although foam plinths are lightweight and simple to assemble, their standard color of white may not always coordinate with your interior design. You can adjust the color to perfectly match your walls or ceiling with a little work.

Contrary to popular belief, painting foam doesn’t have to be difficult or require the assistance of a professional. You can easily achieve a smooth, even finish with the correct tools and methods. Whether painting a new plinth or renovating an old one, doing it yourself will save you money and time.

With the help of this guide, you will be able to confidently take on the project on your own by following the steps step-by-step. Everything you require to complete the task correctly is available, from surface preparation to paint selection.

Step Description
1. Preparation Clean the plinth from dust and dirt. Use a soft cloth or brush for this.
2. Priming Apply a primer to the plinth to improve paint adhesion. Let it dry completely.
3. Choosing paint Select water-based paint for a smooth finish. Matte or semi-gloss is recommended.
4. Painting Use a small brush to apply the paint evenly. Start with thin layers to avoid drips.
5. Drying Allow the paint to dry completely between coats. Apply additional coats if needed.
6. Cleanup Clean brushes and any splatters immediately with water to prevent the paint from drying.

When and why to paint skirting boards

Why is it preferable to paint skirting boards after they are installed rather than before applying ceiling paint and wallpaper adhesive?

  • This way you will not stain the finish with paint, and if the ceiling is painted in the same color as the cornice, then it is more convenient to do this at the same time;
  • During installation, fragile foam products can be stained or damaged, leave dents and scratches on them. In addition, the joint of two elements in the corners or along a straight line is always noticeable. All these defects are sealed with putty and painted over. Of course, this can only be done after installation in place.

Kindly take note. Not only can cornices get dirty during painting, but wallpaper should be adhered to after cornice installation. In addition, the skirting board will stay in place while old wallpaper is removed, making future repairs easier. If the trim is adhered over it, there’s a chance it will come off with the canvas.

Let’s talk about why painting ceiling cornices is a good idea. The majority of the time, this question comes up when changing its color is not necessary. White skirting boards and ceilings are popular choices, and foam and polyurethane products are naturally white.

One of the purposes, which you are already aware of, is to conceal joints and small installation errors. It is not the only one, though.

In addition, painting is necessary for several other reasons:

  • Such moldings look, frankly speaking, not very respectable. Especially cheap foam ones. And with the help of paint they can be given a more solid look and even imitate gypsum stucco, natural wood or stone. The appearance of the finish will be at its best, and the price will be much lower;

  • Baguettes can also have their own defects, that need to be eliminated;
  • They are quite fragile, the coating gives them additional strength, paints over the unsightly loose structure;
  • The material turns yellow over time, dust, soot and other particles settle on the cornices, which are absorbed by the surface. It is difficult to wash it to its original whiteness without damaging it. Whereas painted products are easily and quickly cleaned with a damp cloth.

Any room can look better with this easy DIY project: painting a foam ceiling plinth. Without much trouble, you can achieve a professional finish with the appropriate planning, supplies, and methods. This tutorial will lead you through every step of the process, from selecting the ideal paint to evenly applying it, making sure your ceiling plinth flawlessly blends in with the decor of your space.

Painting technology

Prior to painting the ceiling plinth, level all surface imperfections with putty and select the appropriate paint.

What paint to use

Foam, in contrast to wood, cannot be painted using solvent-based paints, especially those containing white spirit. These chemicals not only dissolve paints but also the synthetic material, which is "eaten" by the aggressive liquid right away. Only water-dispersion compositions diluted with water, such as acrylic and latex, may therefore be used.

  • Acrylic paint: Technical characteristics
  • Latex paint: how to work with it
  • Water -based paint: features of the material and working with it

Most frequently, they are the color palette’s basic tones, such as white. If the color you want isn’t there, you can always add tinted paste to such paint and mix thoroughly.

Suggestions. It is best to use specialized tinting machines, which can be found in any large building materials store, to precisely achieve the desired tone.

Regarding application techniques, pre-mounted cornices can be painted using both standard paint and spray paint. Naturally, if the ceiling and walls are still unfinished. Although you cannot alter its color, it is far more convenient to work with and produces excellent results.

How to prepare skirting boards for painting

Using a tiny rubber spatula or your hands alone, jewelry, putty the skirting boards with fine-grained finishing putty because the work is quite small. Use white or colorless silicone sealant in place of putty.

Applying a small amount of pressure from top to bottom to the joints allows the repair compound to seep into the voids and cracks without deforming the delicate material. Since the profile relief must be repeated in this instance, working with a small amount of putty on the tip of your finger is more convenient.

This is a crucial matter. Don’t forget to wear rubber gloves when working to protect your hands.

An excess solution is wrung out of the surface using a sponge that has been moistened with water. The corners’ joints are also sealed in the same manner. Gaps between the cornice and the wall or ceiling, if any, should be filled in in addition to installation flaws.

After the putty dries, the surface is primed, cleaned of any accumulated dust, and any minor imperfections are smoothed out with sandpaper.

How to apply paint

The level of wall and ceiling finishing affects painting technology. Don’t worry if it’s missing; continue painting as normal, making an effort to apply a thin, even layer. We use a brush because painting a relief surface with a roller is impractical.

Even though paint can be easily removed before it dries, it is still advisable to protect finished walls from paint. You can also remove some of the paint from the wall and the wallpaper spray, so there’s no need to take a chance.

The painting instructions for ceiling cornices are very straightforward:

  • Masking tape is glued along them: only on the wall if the ceiling is painted in the same color, or on both sides if it is already painted in a different color;
  • A small amount of paint is collected on the brush, which is applied along the length of the molding and spread in a thin layer. It should not be allowed to collect in drops and flow down;

  • After the coating has dried, you need to visually assess the result. If you are satisfied with it, you can carefully remove the tape. If not (putty areas are visible through the paint or it is uneven), the procedure is repeated;
  • If the interior style and design concept require it, you can highlight the protruding parts of the relief with a different color, for example, gilding. To do this, take a thin brush, dip it into the appropriate paint and carefully squeeze it on the edge of a can or tray so that the bristles are almost dry. With this brush, the convex areas of the baguette are painted.

Sadly, masking tape cannot always be used after finishing because it may tear off portions of the paint or decorative spraying or pull the wallpaper when peeled off. To get out of the situation, use a wide, thin spatula, a sheet of thick paper, or something similar.

Applying pressure firmly to the baseboard on the painting side, the spatula is gradually moved along the board as needed. In other words, if it’s necessary to protect the walls as well as the ceiling, paint the cornice on one side of the longitudinal axis first, then move the spatula to the other side and paint the other half.

Painting a foam ceiling plinth can completely change a space’s appearance by bringing a polished finish that unifies the entire design. This is something that anyone can do on their own if they have the necessary equipment and a little perseverance.

To guarantee that the paint sticks well, start by giving the plinth a thorough cleaning and priming. Selecting the appropriate paint type is essential. For foam, water-based acrylics work best because they leave a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Apply thin, even coats of paint while taking your time. This will guarantee a tidy, expert appearance and stop drips. Take your time drying in between coats; the outcome will be worth your patience.

Painting a foam ceiling plinth is an easy do-it-yourself project that can have a big impact on your room if you pay close attention to detail. Take pleasure in the process and the finished product that you have made yourself.

Video on the topic

How to paint a baguette (baseboards) without staining the wallpaper. We set aside for the spatula.

Painting a polystyrene ceiling plinth

How to paint a ceiling and ceiling plinth

Life hack on how to quickly and accurately paint a ceiling plinth, cornice

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Dmitry Stepanov

Professional decorator with 10 years of experience. I know everything about renovating apartments, houses and offices. I will be happy to share my knowledge and experience with you.

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