How to Paint a Trey Ceiling

Trey ceiling painted white

Trey ceilings are often painted an accent color to highlight architectural elements, or faux painted for additional texture or color. Trey ceilings have recessed areas that have different levels or steps. Dining rooms, bedrooms and living rooms are a common place for a tray ceiling. Painting a tray ceiling is similar to most paint projects with a few added adjustments.

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. Consider the height of the project. If a ladder can not easily reach the area, or if the tray ceiling is large, scaffolding should be used. Scaffolding can be rented and delivered for a nominal fee. Scaffolding will vary in size and type depending on the height of a project. Using a ladder will require the ladder to be stable, and the painter will make many trips up and down the ladder.

2. Prep the room. Remove as much furniture and accessories from the room as possible. Cover all window treatments with plastic. Lay down drop cloths on all flooring areas. When painting the ceiling, paint can easily splatter from the roller. Make sure everything is protected.

3. Tape off all molding touching the ceiling area. Use painter's tape to mask the areas off. Use additional plastic to wrap around trim work for extra protection. Burnish the tape on the edges to ensure no paint seeps under the edges. Tape off areas around light fixtures and ceiling fans. Place tape over any light and ceiling fan switches so these are not accidentally turned on by someone entering the room.

4. Using an angled brush holding a minimal amount of paint, trim out the ceiling edges. To trim the edges, glide the tip of the brush along the edge, allowing the bristles to fan out. The top most bristles, at the brushes point, are painting the straight line, not the entire brush. Slowly continue to paint the edge leaving a three inch wide paint band around the perimeter of the trey ceiling. Trim out areas around light fixtures and ceiling fans.

5. Place an extension pole onto the roller before painting. The extension pole will give the painter more control and ease neck and back strains. Begin painting on one side of the trey ceiling, rolling two to four feet at a time. Continue to paint the ceiling using evenly pressured rolls, spreading paint in vertical or horizontal stripes. Step back to look if the paint is covering evenly. A second coat is required depending on the color as well as if there is texture on the ceiling.

6. Remove all tape slowly. Removing the tape too fast can pull up underlying paint and drywall. Cut with a razor knife, if necessary. Carefully remove plastic and drop cloths from room. Be aware that drops of wet paint may be on these surfaces.

Tips & Warnings

• Take breaks often if neck or back pains develop.

• Never overreach when using a ladder or scaffolding. Never stand on the the top rung of a ladder.

References

• Painterclick.com

Resources

• Lowe's Paint Project Center