Although it may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of home improvement, wallpapering the ceiling is a great way to update a space. It makes all the difference to know how to do it correctly, whether you’re adding a new layer of style or updating an outdated appearance.
Although ceiling wallpaper gives a room texture and depth, it may eventually start to look dated or out of place. Painting over the wallpaper can be a simple and affordable alternative to going through the trouble of removing and replacing it. However, to guarantee a smooth, even finish, this task calls for some planning and cautious execution.
This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the process of painting wallpaper on the ceiling, providing you with helpful hints and advice to help you get a polished finish without breaking the bank.
Applying paint to wallpaper
If all of the work is done by hand, the cost won’t be very high. Here is a guide explaining the guidelines for completing the task.
You need to measure the wallpaper to make sure it fits the ceiling before you begin painting it.
You must take care to ensure that there are no bulges. If flaws are discovered, they need to be fixed. If not, the painted areas will swell even more after the work is finished. In the future, this will lead to the wallpaper coming off. You cannot make mistakes because even the smallest error will ruin the ceiling’s overall appearance.
- Before painting, you need to think about how to protect the floor and walls from paint. To avoid such problems, you can use polyethylene coverings or ordinary paper. Magnetized special masking tape is ideal for attaching them. All this will save you from additional hassle associated with eliminating paint marks.
- If you have to paint polyurethane foam or gypsum moldings that are adjacent to the ceiling, then it is better to stick the tape along the edge of the baguettes. When finished, it can be easily removed.
Preparing tools
Set up your work equipment before you begin painting the ceiling.
You must make use of:
- Material that will protect the surface, that is, paper or polyethylene;
- Rollers (cm. Rollers for painting: let"s look at them in detail), which have a fur coat of 10 or 12 mm;
- Brushes up to 8 cm wide and 1.5 cm thick;
- Dye;
- A container in which the paint will be rolled out;
- Headgear, safety glasses, gloves.
It is necessary to get everything ready before painting the ceiling. There won’t be any distractions required while working.
- It is better to select a roller depending on the type of wallpaper used. Models with long pile are suitable. It must be remembered that the smoother the surface of the canvas, the less pile is used. This factor affects the quality of painting.
- When buying paint, you must study the instructions. Everything that the manufacturer recommends must be taken into account. For example, humidity and room temperature are of great importance. They must be as indicated by the manufacturer. After painting, there should be no drafts in the room.
Take note! Purchase paint exclusively designed to work with particular kinds of wallpaper. Glass wallpaper can be painted with alkyd or water-based paints. Enameling non-woven wallpaper using water-dispersion paints.
There are benefits and drawbacks to these paint types:
- It will be durable and at the same time smoothes the structure of the wallpaper.
- But it must be taken into account that alkyd enamels are toxic precisely during the application process. So it is recommended to use personal protective equipment during work. These include glasses, gloves and other products that will protect your work.
- If the ceilings are not planned to be washed frequently, then this type of enamel will last a long time.
- Latex water-dispersion paints are suitable for painting wallpaper.
Note: The manufacturer’s instructions state that water must be added to the paint to dilute it. Pour the enamel through a cheesecloth strainer. Next, add the water and use a mixer to combine everything.
A useful way to update a room’s appearance without going through the trouble of removing the old wallpaper is to paint new wallpaper on the ceiling. Smooth, even finishes that improve the room’s appearance can be achieved with the correct planning, supplies, and methods. Choosing the right paint, making sure the wallpaper is clean and well-adhered, and applying the paint in a way that prevents bubbles and streaks are all part of this process.
| Step | Description |
| 1. Prepare the Room | Remove or cover furniture, protect the floor, and ensure the room is well-ventilated. |
| 2. Clean the Ceiling | Dust and wipe the ceiling to remove any dirt or grease before painting. |
| 3. Apply Primer | Use a primer suitable for wallpaper to ensure the paint adheres properly. |
| 4. Choose the Right Paint | Select a paint that is designed for use on wallpaper, preferably one that is water-based. |
| 5. Paint the Ceiling | Use a roller for larger areas and a brush for edges, applying the paint evenly. |
| 6. Let it Dry | Allow sufficient time for the paint to dry completely before applying a second coat if needed. |
Refinishing a room and adding a personal touch can be as easy as painting wallpaper on the ceiling. The process can be easy and satisfying if the proper planning and methods are used.
Before beginning, it’s crucial to make sure the wallpaper is clean, dry, and correctly applied.
