How to Paint Clouds on a Ceiling

Michelangelo painted a ceiling and you can too! Here's how to create an airy, cloud-filled room.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sponge Paintbrushes
• Blue And White House Paints
• Drop Cloths
• Paint Roller Pans
• Paint Rollers With Extension Pole
• Drop Cloths
• Ladders
• Ladders
• Glow-in-the-dark Stars
• Inflatable Planet Mobiles

1. Remove or cover furniture and put down a drop cloth.

2. Paint the ceiling blue and let it dry. See "How to Paint a Ceiling" for directions.

3. Pour white paint into a roller tray.

4. Holding a sponge flat, dip it into the paint.

5. Dab the paint-filled sponge on the ceiling.

6. Make clouds in a free-form shape. You may want to have some pictures of clouds on hand for reference.

7. Use more paint in the center of the cloud, and less paint as you move out toward the edges.

8. Leave some areas of blue showing through the white for a light, transparent look.

9. Make clouds of different sizes.

10. Cover the ceiling evenly, but randomly, with clouds.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep some of the blue ceiling paint on hand for covering mistakes and touching up.
• After the painted clouds have dried, stick some glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling for a starry-night effect after dark.
• Purchase a sky-themed ceiling fan or light fixture.
• Hang stars, model airplanes or a planet mobile from the ceiling.
• Have adequate ventilation while you are painting and while paint is drying.
• Protect yourself from drips by wearing a cap or scarf and old clothes.
• Use caution when working on a ladder. Make sure it is stable before climbing on.

[Yohiel]

on 9/15/2008 As a journeyman Las Vegas Casino Muralist and professional Faux Painter, I would be happy to quote you an estimate for trqaveling to your home or business to paint clouds on your ceiling, murals on your walls, marble on your surface areas, or anything else your heart desires. Images of my work are available for view at:

http://www.jackalexander.mosaicglobe.com

Samples of my skies are at:

http://www.jackalexander.mosaicglobe.com/gallery/3142

A picture of my sky ceiling from "Le Village Buffet" at the Paris Hotel-Casino is at:

http://www.jackalexander.mosaicglobe.com/gallery/3143?page=2

No job is too big or too small. Please feel free to contact me at [e-mail].

on 8/29/2006 After painting my daughters ceiling blue and with clouds, I bought a cheap home planetarium (Star Theater) from the Discovery Channel Store. I oriented it correctly (North) and turned it on in the darkened room. Then I just put glow in the dark paint on the dots on the ceiling. The effect looks more realistic since the constellations are recognizable.

on 11/22/2005 I use a white glaze, instead of paint, on a damp sea sponge. It is easier to get the clouds to have an airy, light look.

on 4/16/2007 The best way I've found to create the softest, fluffiest clouds is to use a water-dampened sea sponge to apply the white paint sparingly. Then dry brush the edges in a swirling motion, making sure to wipe off the brush often. You can add to the look until you are pleased with the size and effect. It's a little tricky on the ceiling, but looks much softer than just sponging it on, and is worth the effort.

on 11/22/2005 Always trying to find the easiest and quickest way, I used the white already on the ceiling as the clouds. Then I used wadded-up cheesecloth barely dipped in blue paint to sort of smear the sky in between the clouds. I made the edges of the clouds very filmy blue and brought clouds and sky down the walls in areas, too, because the sky just isn't directly above your head! I like the effect. Just remember, clouds are all sizes and shapes!