How to Paint a Coffered Ceiling

Coffered ceilings have small squares divided by molding. A coffered ceiling can have four areas or more. The prep work for painting a coffered ceiling, including taping off the molding for each square, usually takes longer than the physical painting process. A coffered ceiling may or may not have trim directly touching the paint areas; some ceilings have a small, vertical edge that also requires paint.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder or scaffolding Plastic and drop cloths Painter's tape Paint Roller and frame Paint bucket Brush Grid Rags Garbage bags

Instructions

1. Tape off all trim work that touches paint area. Use blue painter's tape that won't damage painted trim. Firmly press the tape down and burnish. This prevents paint from seeping under the edges of the tape.

2. Lay plastic sheets on all flooring areas in the room. Use drop cloths to cover furniture. Cover any curtains or window treatments with plastic or remove them. Paint can easily drip from a ceiling and splatter across the room when you use a roller. Protect items or remove them.

3. Place a piece of tape over ceiling fan switches, so the fan cannot be turned on. Painters may have to work near the fan, and a serious injury can occur if the blades begin to turn.

4. Trim all edges and corners with a paintbrush first. Using a roller, add paint to the flat ceiling area. If using a 9-inch roller overhead is too heavy, a small mini-roller also works well. If the coffered ceiling has vertical edges, check to see that the paint has covered all areas by standing in different corners of the room.

5. Remove all tape. If the paint has dried, it may be necessary to remove tape using a razor knife. Peel it slowly to avoid damage to the wall or trim. Remove all plastic and drop cloths carefully as they may contain drops of paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Take breaks while working overhead to avoid neck and back strain.

• Avoid turning on rope lighting in the coffered ceiling areas. The heat from rope lighting can melt plastic and tape nearby.